Chennai MRF Challenge: Picariello leads Schumacher in final race

The Belgian started on reverse-grid pole alongside Schumacher, but made a better getaway at the start to take a commanding lead in the race.

He built a cushion of over 14s over the course of the 20 lap race, steadily pulling away from a four-car battle for second place between Schumacher, Tatiana Calderon, Nikita Troitskiy and Pietro Fittipaldi.

Schumacher however gradually edged away from Calderon to clinch second, as the Colombian found herself coming under increasing pressure from Troitskiy in the battle for the final podium spot.

"For sure, I am pleased and really happy to be in this environment, to drive against some good drivers who have a lot of International experience, so I am really happy to be second," said Schumacher.

"It feels great to drive with the people who have experience, and to see I can complete with them is good."

Troitskiy needed to pass Calderon to deprive her of the runner-up spot in the championship, but ended up running off the track, demoting himself to fifth behind Fittipaldi.

Newly-crowned champion Fittipaldi then took up the chase against Calderon, who was visibly struggling with rear grip in the final stages of the race.

Fittipaldi managed to get alongside at one stage, but Calderon was resolute in her defence, clinching third to cement second place in the standings.

Behind Troitskiy, Briton Max Fewtrell drove an impressive race to finish sixth, with Australia's Dylan Young picking up more points in seventh.

The biggest loser in the race was Harrison Newey as he dropped from fifth to ninth on the opening lap with an off-track excursion. He recovered one place to eighth, ahead of Tarun Reddy and Enzo Bortoleto.

Fittipaldi ends the championship on 244 points, with Calderon on 199, Troitskiy on 191, Picariello on 179 and Newey completing the top five on 109 points.

Race results: