BHUBANESWAR: Indian motorcycle racing has found a new global standard-bearer. At the legendary Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto in Spain, Sarthak Chavan etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Indian rider to secure a sixth-place finish in the MotoJunior Stock European Championship, one of the world’s most competitive junior motorcycle racing series and an important stepping stone to Moto3 and MotoGP.
Competing against Europe’s finest young riders, the teenager from Pune produced a mature and fearless ride to finish sixth in a field dominated by Spanish talent. While the podium remained just out of reach, the result represents one of the finest performances ever by an Indian rider in a European motorcycle championship and marks another significant milestone in Chavan’s rapidly growing international career.
A Historic Day at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto
The Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto is revered as one of the most iconic venues in world motorcycle racing. Many MotoGP legends have raced and won here before progressing to the sport’s highest level. Now, Sarthak Chavan has ensured that India’s tricolour has found a place on the championship leaderboard.
Racing for Junior Team Da Corsa, Chavan displayed exceptional pace, composure and racecraft throughout the weekend to finish among the championship’s elite.
MotoJunior Stock European Championship
Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto – Final Results
- Jacobo Hinojosa (Spain) – Futurotel Face Racing
- David Jimenez (Spain) – MDR Competition
- Alberto Garcia (Spain) – Top Surface Aspar Team
- Álvaro Díaz (Spain) – ZIVIMOTOR
- Yeray Ruiz (Spain) – Team Honda Laglisse
6. Sarthak Chavan (India) – Junior Team Da Corsa (+2.902 seconds)
Though six Spanish riders occupied five of the top six positions, Chavan’s performance stood out as a watershed moment for Indian motorsport.
Breaking New Ground for Indian Racing
For years, Indian riders have excelled in domestic championships and made steady progress across Asia. However, success in Europe has remained one of the toughest barriers to overcome.
The MotoJunior Stock European Championship features some of the world’s most talented young riders, many of whom eventually graduate to Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP.
By becoming the first Indian rider to finish sixth in the championship, Chavan has demonstrated that Indian racers possess the talent, determination and pace to compete with Europe’s best on equal terms.
His performance sends a powerful message that Indian motorcycle racing is steadily establishing itself on the global stage.
From Asian Success to European Promise
Sarthak’s rise has been built on years of relentless hard work and remarkable consistency.
He first earned international recognition by becoming the first Indian rider to secure a podium finish in the TVS Asia One Make Championship, part of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC)—a milestone that inspired a new generation of Indian racers.
His impressive career statistics continue to underline his immense potential:
- 23 career podium finishes
- 18 race victories
- Multiple national championship titles
- Factory-backed rider representing Indian motorsport internationally
Each season has seen the young racer take another significant step towards his dream of competing among the world’s best.
SSI Karna Award Recognised the Rising Star
Sarthak Chavan has been recognised as one of India’s brightest sporting talents.
At just 18 years of age, he was honoured with the prestigious SSI Karna Award during the Sports Science India Awards Ceremony, held on December 6, 2025, at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
The award celebrated his outstanding achievements in international motorcycle racing, particularly becoming the first Indian to secure a podium finish in the TVS Asia One Make Championship, while also recognising his remarkable tally of 23 podiums and 18 victories.
The honour placed him alongside some of India’s most promising athletes and acknowledged his growing influence in taking Indian motorsport to the international arena.
Eyes Firmly Fixed on the Future
At an age when many riders are only beginning their professional careers, Sarthak Chavan is already rewriting Indian motorsport history. His top-six finish at Jerez is more than a statistic—it is evidence that an Indian rider can challenge the world’s best in Europe’s toughest junior racing championship.
As he continues climbing the international ladder, each race brings him closer to the dream shared by every young motorcycle racer: competing on the MotoGP stage. For Indian motorsport, Sarthak Chavan’s journey is no longer just one of promise. It is becoming a story of history in the making.
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