Simplify the following text for a Grade 10 native English-speaking person.
Original: Prior to his time in GP2 , Chandhok won the Formula Asia championship in 2001 and was the inaugural Formula Asia V6 by Renault champion in 2006 .
Simplified: Before Formula One , Chandhok won the Formula Asia championship in 2001 , was the first Formula Asia V6 by Renault champion in 2006 .