Armaan Ebrahim boosted Indian hopes in Formula BMW [Images] Asia, finishing third in the eighth round in Beijing [Images].

The placing perched him to fourth in the overall standings.

The 16-year-old Ebrahim has now closed the gap with Rookie Cup leaderboard topper Charlie-Ro Charlez to just five points, while fifth Michael Patrizi trails the Indian by eight points.

On Sunday, at Beijing's 2.4-km Goldensport circuit, Ebrahim put up a fine effort finishing third in the championship classification braving some serious gearbox problems, J K Tyres, his sponsors, said in a statement.

Formula BMW Asia now moves to South Korea's Taebaek circuit for the next two rounds on August 6 and 7 where the Indian can further catch up with the leader.