It is perhaps hard to imagine an e-race where spectators were forced to the edge of their seats, but that is exactly what happened on the 8th of September as local boys took on Italy's Mugello circuit at what is Sri Lanka's first ever Formula One championship - courtesy of Mandarin Reid eSports and SRL. 

Right from the beginning there was meyham on the track as a number of drivers were taken out at the first bend.  The majority of favorites though managed to escape with Fawzul Aleem who won the first of this eight leg championship taking an early lead, but was closely followed by Akash De Mello. So fierce was the battle it was a matter of time before Fawzul would faulter and give the lead position to Akash.  Spectators were given a skilled display of blocking and pressure building maneuvers. But even Akash De Mello's time at the lead was short lived as pressure kept building up by the rest of the field and as challengers continued to press for position the entire field was pushed to challenge their comfort causing many to lose control at the top and relinquish their position. 

In an ever changing race of fortune and skill, spectators were left enthralled. Ultimately it was Akash De Mello who skillfully reigned winner clocking 39:11.00.

With this win, the leaderboard for the entire championship has been thrown wide open with three winners of the first three legs completed. The Championship is certainly heating up and is anyone’s game. This is a great win for eSports and particularly for Sri Lanka's future in Formula One. The fourth leg of the Championship will be on Saturday 11th September and can be viewed on Mandarin Reid ESports FB page, SRL FB page or Kiki app live stream.

The championship is supported by Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd, Asian Security Group International PTE Ltd, Ayuwanna by Barberyn, Chinese Dragon Café, General Auto Works (Pvt) Ltd, GamesHome, Kärcher Tudawe, Mobil 1, Ryesight, Seylan Bank, Stanvo, Daily Mirror & Lankadeepa, Yes FM & Kiki App