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First studio images show Red Bull’s matte livery of the RB16B
The Charge is on as the covers come off to reveal the first studio images of the Red Bull Racing RB16B in the Team’s iconic matte livery.
The first reveal of the 2021 charger comes as the Team aims to carry the momentum of 2020 into the new season in a bid to fight for this year’s title with Max Verstappen and his new teammate Sergio Perez at the wheel.
Red Bull 2021 launch -
Formula E 7th season to begin with Diriyah e-prix
Riyadh, 23 Feb 2021: The seventh season of ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – and its first as a World Championship – will get underway in Saudi Arabia this weekend (26 & 27 February), with big points on offer and a fierce battle in prospect around the Riyadh Street Circuit.
Not only is the Diriyah E-Prix one of just two double-headers on the 2020/21 Formula E calendar, but in a first for the all-electric single-seater series, it will take place after nightfall, with the action around the 2.495km track to be illuminated by low-consumption LED lights.
To add to the unpredictability, pre-season testing in Valencia at the end of last year saw all 24 contenders blanketed by barely three-quarters-of-a-second on the final day – closer than ever before in the championship’s history – setting the scene for a spectacular Saudi Arabian showdown.
António Félix da Costa goes into the new campaign as reigning champion after dominating proceedings last season. The Portuguese ace registered his second career Formula E victory in Diriyah in 2018 and is eyeing a repeat performance as he aims to launch the defence of his Drivers’ crown in the best possible fashion.
DS TECHEETAH team-mate Jean-Éric Vergne, meanwhile, is eager to bounce back from a troubled 2019/20 campaign that fell short of his two title-winning seasons. The Frenchman shadowed da Costa across the finish line in Saudi Arabia in 2018, and he is fired-up to turn the tables this weekend.
Mercedes EQ fields a similarly unchanged line-up of Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries. The Belgian secured second in the standings last summer by triumphing in the final race in Berlin and has twice been a podium-finisher in Diriyah, while de Vries showed increasing flashes of form towards the end of last season, which he is keen to build upon over the coming months.
As the winningest driver in Formula E history, not reaching the highest step of the rostrum marked a disappointment for Sébastien Buemi in 2019/20, and the Swiss star is determined to quickly rediscover his winning ways. On the other side of the Nissan e.dams garage, by contrast, Oliver Rowland broke through last August with his maiden Formula E victory in Berlin, and the Briton has his sights firmly set on more champagne celebrations.
Like Buemi, 2016/17 champion Lucas di Grassi endured a frustrating 2019/20 campaign – the first time he has failed to win a race or finish inside the top three in the overall classification – and the Brazilian is targeting a rapid return to form. His Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team-mate René Rast, meanwhile, is aiming to build upon a positive performance over the final six races of last season since returning to the series.
Maximilian Günther stole pre-season bragging rights in Valencia back in December by posting the fastest time of the test. The German was a double winner last year and new team-mate Jake Dennis turned heads with his composure and consistency at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Ominously for their rivals, the BMW i Andretti Motorsport team for which the pair compete has triumphed in two of the three races held in Saudi Arabia so far.
The second of those successes was achieved by Alexander Sims, who switches to Mahindra Racing for his third campaign in Formula E. There, he will race alongside countryman Alex Lynn, who laid down the benchmark on day two of pre-season testing.
The other Valencia pace-setter – on the opening day – was André Lotterer, who is confident of a further step forward for TAG Heuer Porsche in the team’s sophomore campaign in the championship. The German is partnered by compatriot Pascal Wehrlein, returning to the series after missing the second half of last season.
Sam Bird was arguably the highest-profile mover of the off-season, leaving Envision Virgin Racing after six years to join Mitch Evans at Jaguar Racing, where he hopes to add to the nine Formula E victories he has achieved to-date – the most recent of which came in Diriyah in 2019.
Bird is succeeded at Envision Virgin Racing by rookie Nick Cassidy, with Robin Frijns remaining on-board in the sister car, while Dragon / Penske Autosport enters an unchanged line-up of Sérgio Sette Câmara and Nico Müller, who impressed by posting the second and third-quickest times respectively in pre-season testing.
ROKiT Venturi Racing will run Edoardo Mortara and series newcomer Norman Nato – another to display a strong turn-of-speed in Valencia – with NIO 333, like Mahindra, opting for an all-British line-up of Oliver Turvey and Tom Blomqvist and eager to significantly improve upon a scoreless 2019/20 campaign.
The first Diriyah ePrix will begin at 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Friday, 26 February, with race two following at the same time the next day.
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M-Sport and Red Bull join forces again: WRC
Lapland (Finland), 23 Feb 2021: M-Sport and Red Bull will again join forces, championing young talent in the FIA World Rally Championship with French protégé Adrien Fourmaux.
Fourmaux takes the next step in his career this year with a split program between the WRC and WRC 2 Championships. And the chance to compete with support from Red Bull offers the young Frenchman an opportunity to deliver on his promising talent behind the wheel – following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Sébastiens Loeb and Ogier.
Starting his rally career just four years ago, Fourmaux’s natural skill saw him progress at speed and he soon caught the attention of renowned talent-spotter, and M‑Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE. Drafted into M-Sport Ford’s prestigious driver development programme, Fourmaux is now on the fast-track to rallying’s highest level.
Beginning at this week’s Arctic Rally Finland, Fourmaux will sport a new Red Bull livery as he takes to the wheel of both the EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta Rally2 and Ford Fiesta WRC in this year’s FIA World Rally Championship.
Fourmaux Adrien (FRA) is posing for the portrait during the M sport PET in Rovaniemi, Finland on 22 February, 2021. A file photo from M-Sport The Frenchman will be behind the wheel of the Red Bull branded Fiesta Rally2 this week, before making his world-stage debut with the top-specification Fiesta WRC at Rally Croatia in two months’ time.
M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “Red Bull sees the same potential in Adrien as we do, and it’s fantastic to welcome them back to the M-Sport family. We have achieved some truly incredible performances with Red Bull, and my hope is to see the team replicate those performances as we target a return to the top of the podium.
“This is the first step in a concerted effort towards coming out fighting with the new regulations. A lot of our resources are going into ensuring we have the best possible package going into 2022, and to have Red Bull onboard this year is a huge positive for the team. Not only do they believe we have a future star amongst our ranks, but they also have faith in our world-class designers and engineers to deliver another rally-winning car.”M-Sport Ford Team Principal, Richard Millener, said: “Work to reignite this partnership with Red Bull has been ongoing for quite a while behind the scenes, and it is fantastic to see it now come to fruition.
“Adrien and Renaud [co-driver] are two of the most dedicated guys I’ve worked with, and it’s great to see that talent and hard work now rewarded with endorsement from Red Bull – a truly iconic brand in motorsport, and as shrewd as Malcolm when it comes to spotting driver potential!“Clearly, they have seen the same Ogier-esque performances in Adrien as we have. He’s an extremely intelligent driver with a lot of potential, and we’re looking forward to witnessing his progress and aiding his development in what will be a very important year.”
Adrien Fourmaux said: “I’m really excited to be making the step up to WRC this year, and follow in the path of my rally heroes. This season is an extremely important one for me and it is both humbling and motivating that it’s not just M-Sport who continues to put their faith in me – as now Red Bull are also supporting my journey.
“My 2021 season started well with second place in WRC 2 at Rallye Monte-Carlo. And now the aim is to be in the mix for another good result at this weekend’s Arctic Rally Finland, where I continue my WRC 2 campaign with the support of Red Bull and M-Sport. My eyes are also firmly fixed on preparing for my WRC debut at a brand-new event at Rally Croatia – and I intend for this to be the first step in a long career at the top level of world rally.”
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Repsol Honda team launches its 2021 campaign virtually
22 Feb 2021: Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro prepare for all new challenges in 2021 with the Repsol Honda Team, as the team launches its new livery.
With the world still working to overcome to Covid-19 pandemic, the Repsol Honda Team have launched their 2021 challenge with a fully online presentation for the first time in Honda’s history. A new style presentation for a year set to be full of new challenges.
After a season like no other, both on and off the track, 2021 presents the MotoGP World Championship with a chance to rally in the face of adversity and forge ahead. With a difficult 2020 behind them, the Repsol Honda Team are also out to reset and show they are ready for any challenge. Marc Marquez is joined on this challenge by Pol Espargaro, fresh from his best premier class season to date. The pair have grown up racing together, battling from local championships in Spain to the premier class and bring with them 446 World Championship starts, 184 podiums, 109 poles and 97 wins.
With the world still working to overcome to Covid-19 pandemic, the Repsol Honda Team have launched their 2021 challenge with a fully online presentation for the first time in Honda’s history. A new style presentation for a year set to be full of new challenges.
The 2013 Moto2 World Champion, Pol Espargaro, achieves a life-long dream in 2021 as he wears the Repsol Honda Team colours aboard the factory Honda RC213V. With over 100 premier-class starts, the 29-year-old is among the most experienced riders in MotoGP and arrives in the best form of his career. Fighting to fifth in the World Championship standings with five podiums and two pole positions, Pol brings not only experience but an undeniable fire to succeed to the team.
For Marc Marquez, the 2021 season is a new beginning as he is set to return from his season-ending injury sustained in Jerez. Focusing exclusively on his recovery from a broken right humerus, the eight-time World Champion has been working diligently to return to his best and comeback strong for the 2021 season. A champion’s spirit drives Marquez to succeed at everything he does.
The iconic Repsol Honda Team livery will be another constant in 2021 as Repsol and Honda continue their more than quarter of a century long partnership. With 180 premier class wins, 447 premier class podiums and 15 World Championships, the combination is without doubt the most decorated in Grand Prix Racing and is determined to return to these levels of success.
The Repsol Honda Team will now travel to Qatar for the MotoGP pre-season where Pol Espargaro will get his first taste of the Honda RC213V. Marc Marquez will not attend the Qatar Test as he continues to focus on his recovery.
Tetsuhiro Kuwata, HRC Director and General Manager Race Operations Management Division said: “We enter another season full of anticipation and desire. After what has been a difficult 2020, we are continuing to learn and to work to return to the top of championship. From the technical side, HRC have been working as hard as always to keep improving the RC213V. We have a new rider in the shape of Pol Espargaro this year who brings good experience and a desire for victory. We are all eagerly awaiting the first test with him. On Marc’s side, we have been closely following his recovery and will continue to do everything we can to support him to return as strong as possible.
“Finally, I would like to thank Repsol and all of our sponsors for their continued support. Without them we would be unable to go racing, they are not just sponsors but partners on this great challenge.”
“We of course look forward to achieving the results that have always been our trademark, like fighting for victories, podiums and championships. This is the reason why, after more than 25 years, we continue side by side with the best partner in MotoGP, Honda. The alliance between our two companies goes beyond a sponsorship agreement and is based on technology: collaboration between Honda’s facilities in Saitama and the Repsol Tech Lab in Madrid.
Ana Camps, Sponsoring, Media, Advertising and PR Deputy Director, Repsol said: “Our Tech Lab scientists apply the most avant-garde technology to our fuels and lubricants, and we take advantage of all the knowledge that high competition provides for our Repsol products. We know that Marc is an extraordinary rider and a unique person with a great ability to overcome anything, so we have no doubt that he will soon amaze us again. Marc, of course, has all our support to achieve the goals he pursues.
“We also look forward to the arrival of a new rider, Pol Espargaro. He is a great professional and a mature rider and will now have an opportunity to prove his amazing talent.”
Marc Marquez
“After a long time away it was nice to see my bike again and wear my leathers. 2020 was a difficult year for everyone and especially for me with the injury and watching the races from home. But I have continued to work with the doctors, with my team and with myself to recover and return to MotoGP. Of course, I would have liked to return sooner, but it is very important to listen to the doctors and my body until I am fully fit. I can imagine the best comeback that is to start riding again the bike and be the same, but it will be difficult to be like this. But we will see if it takes one race, two races, half the season to be the same Marc. I will not be at the Qatar Test as I aim to return only when I am 100% and there is still some work to do.”
Pol Espargaro
“The lead up to this season has been one of the most exciting of my career, it’s been like waiting for my first season or my MotoGP debut. To ride for the Repsol Honda Team is every rider’s dream and something to be truly proud of. Every few weeks I have taken another step, seeing the bike at my home, now wearing the leathers. The final step is to ride the RC213V for the first time at Qatar, this excitement is motivating me to train more and be the best I can be for the 2021 World Championship. I am here in the Repsol Honda Team in order to achieve success and fight at the top, this is the goal for 2021.”
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Jehan Daruvala earns valuable Super Licence points with 3rd in Drivers title: Asia F3
Abu Dhabi, 20 Feb 2021: Talented Indian driver and the next F1 hopeful from the country, Jehan Daruvala, racing for Mumbai Falcons, clinched two podiums, winning third places in Race 14 and Race 15 each, ended the Asia F3 Championship here on Saturday.
Pierre Louis Chovet won the Drivers’ Championship with 221 points with Guanyu Zhou (189) taking second with Daruvala garnering 156 for third. Teammate Kush Maini finished 12th with 24 points. This week-end Kush Maini put in a strong performance taking P4 behind Daruvala in one race. Maini who had initial hiccups early in the season, could not perform upto his potential due to technical issues.
The Mumba-born youngster, with two third places in Round 5, clinched the third place in the Drivers’ Championship which fetched him important points that add to his FIA Super Driver Licence. He is likely to get 12 points for his efforts.
“It is great to finish the weekend with a double podium. It’s P3 for me in the championship in the end. A Big thanks to Mumbai Falcons, for all the hard work over the last few weeks and congratulations on securing P3 in the teams’ championship,” said Jehan Daruvala tagging Falcons’ handle on twitter
Mumbai Falcons India Racing Limited’s Jehan Daruvala has endured a season of mixed fortunes so far, and had an outside chance for the title ahead of the final round. The 22-year-old won three of the six races in Rounds 2 and 3 at the Yas Marina track, all from pole, but had mixed fortunes later on.
The championship winner takes home 18 coveted FIA Super Licence points, with the runner-up taking 14, and the final point awarded to the ninth-place finisher in the Driver Classification.
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Maiden bikes triumph for Sam Smith; Al Rajhi-Orr win Dubai Baja
Dubai, 20 Feb 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi completed an emphatic first victory in the Dubai International Baja today while UAE-based British rider Sam Smith recorded his maiden bikes triumph in the event after a dramatic climax to the double World Cup rally.
Ace Indian rider Aishwarya Pissay came second in the Women’s Baja behind Pol.
Partnered by British co-driver Michael Orr in a Toyota Hilux Overdrive, Al Rajhi won the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas by an emphatic margin of 33mins 49 secs from the UAE’s Khalid Al Qassimi and German Dirk Von Zitzewitz in an Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR
After opening up a lead of more than 21 minutes on the first leg, the Saudi dominated again over the 194 kms Arabian Automobiles Nissan Special Stage, while Al Qassimi snatched second place from Yasir Seaidan and Aleksei Kuzmich after an earlier collision with the Saudi’s Mini John Cooper Works Rally.
It happened when the Emirati slid over a big dune and collided with the Mini which had become stuck in the notoriously soft sand of the Al Qudra desert.
The French pairing of Pierre Lachaume and Loic Minaudier in their PH Sport Zephyr finished fourth and also claimed the T3 buggies crown. Taking fifth place overall, Pavel Lebedev and Kiril Shubin landed the T4 title in a CAN AM Maverick. David Mabbs topped the national class in a Polaris RS1.
Smith, lying third overnight, came through for a major win after the two UAE-based South Africans ahead of him on the first leg both saw their victory hopes shattered today in the opening round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi along with co-driver British Michaell Orr won the 4w class. Defending champion Aaron Mare, the first leg leader by 2 mins 20 secs, was halted when his Honda blew its engine. Mark Ackerman, winner in 2017, reached the finish ahead on his Husqvarna only to be relegated to fifth place by a 20 minute time penalty for missing a waypoint.
The biggest performance of the day came from Martin Michek of the Czech Republic, who set the fastest stage time on his Husqvarna, by almost ten minutes from Smith, to claim second place after shaking off the effects of a hard fall on the opening leg. Smith’s winning margin was 1min 31 secs.
The UAE’s 2018 rally winner and World Cup champion Mohammed Al Balooshi, riding aHusqvarna, collected the third podium position, despite a crash and GPS problems.
Fellow-Emirati rider Sultan Al Balooshi, lying fourth overnight, was evacuated to hospital by helicopter for X-rays after injuring his right side and lower back in a crash on the stage.
Another Emirati, Mansoor Al Suwaidi on a Yamaha YFZ 450 R, recorded an overwhelming quads victory by more than 4hrs 18 mins from Saudi Haitham Al Tuwayjiri on another Yamaha.
Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Arabian Automobiles Nissan.
The Rally had been cancelled last year owing to the coronavirus emergency, but the fourth edition was staged in compliance with strict COVID-19 Protocol, and has made history as the first FIA World Cup cross-country event to be run on solar power.
“We’re very happy to have brought World Cup rallying back to Dubai,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization and FIA Vice President for Sport, before the official podium prizegiving at DEWA’s Innovation Centre, the rally HQ. “It’s taken a big team effort to make this happen, and put on a very successful event.”
A jubilant Al Rajhi said at the finish: “The Dubai Baja was really good for us after an unlucky week in the Dakar rally. It has been a difficult rally, which is good as we learn more.
“Today we did not push to a lot, but we did some of the time – on two wheels!. Michael did a great job. I really enjoyed the Baja, and we came to show our support to the organisers in these COVID times.”
New bikes champion Smith said: ““I really enjoyed today. It was very good despite the early part where I couldn’t get my flow. But later I started to ride better and increase the pace, catching up with the leading two riders, Mark and Martin. The Dubai Baja is a really great event and I encourage all riders here in the UAE to take part in this international event which is on our door step.”
Provisional results after Arabian Automobiles Nissan Special Stage
Cars
1. Yazeed Al Rajhi/ Michael Orr (SAU / GBR) / Toyota Hilux Overdrive 5:22.13
2. Khalid Al Qassimi / Dirk Von Zitzewitz (ARE / DEU) / Peugeot 3008 DKR 5:56.02
3. Yasir Seaidan / Aleksei Kuzmich (SAU /RAF) / Mini John Cooper Works Rally 6:00.07
4. Pierre Lachaume / Loic Minaudier (FRA / FRA) / PH – Sport Zephyr 6:18.53
5. Pavel Lebedev / Kiril Shubin (RUS / RUS) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 6:48.46
6. Mshari Al Therifi / Ali Hassan Obaid (KWT / ARE) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 7:18.16
7. Claude Fournier / Szymon Gospodqrczyk (FRA / POL) / CAN AM Maverick 7:33.51
8. Michael Fadel / Craig Tyson (ARE / ARE) / Polaris / T3 8:11.56
9. Laia Sanz / Lucas Cruz (SPA / SPA) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 9:12.34
10. Thomas Bell / Patrick McMurren (ARE /ARE) / Nissan Navara 9:43.07
Bikes
1. Sam Smith (GBR) / KTM SX – F 450 5:50.03
2. Martin Michek (CZE) / Husqvarna SX F450 5:51.34
3. Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE) / Husqvarna FC 450 6:02.59
4. Abdallah Abuaisheh (JOR) / KTM SX-F 450 6:04.55
5. Mark Ackerman (ZAF) / Husqvarna FX 450 6:09:39
6. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) / KTM SX-F 450 6:23.40
7. Abdulla Dakhan (ARE) / Yamaha YZ 450 F 6:37.27
8. Mishal Al Guneim (SAU) / Husqvarna 450 Rally 6:52.31
9. Darko Marasovic (CRO) / KTM SX – F 450 7:00.13
10. Mirjam Pol (NLD) / Husqvarna FC 450 / 1 7:04.06
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Aishwarya takes podium in Class 1 of Dubai Baja, with crucial points for WC
Dubai, 19 Feb 2021: Ace Indian cross-country rallyist of team TVS Racing, Aishwarya Pissay, the FIM Bajas World Cup 2019 winner made it to the chequered flag to take a well-deserved podium in the Dubai International Baja, the first round of the FIM Women’s Baja World Cup at the Deserts of Al Qudra here on Saturday.
Astride a Husqvarna SX-F450, Aishwarya clocked 9hours, 21minutes 27.0seconds (including a penalty time of 6:00:0 after SS1) for an overall second place in Class 1 and Group 1 but she had to be content with a bronze in the women’s category. The Class 1 podium fetched her 16 valuable points in her campaign for the 2021 Bajas World Cup. However, the provisional points need to be confirmed by FIM.
The Bengalurean finished the first leg in second place in the women’s section with an overall lead in 18th place after Day 1. Today, she took overall 14th place on Day 2, for a final count of third in the women’s class which matters for her WC campaign.
On Day 2, an issue with in the gearbox slowed a speeding Aishwarya in her tracks. Forced to nurse her bike back while others passed by, Aishwarya made the most of her situation to cross the finish line for a third place in the women’s class. Mirjam Pol (7:04:06) and Llobera Farre (8:27:01) finished ahead of her in that order.
Khuraibet S, who did well, picked up a penalty and slided to fourth place. Aishwarya’s third was good enough to get her an overall combined second place behind Pol in Class 1 but with both classes 1 and 1/2 counting together for WC points, Aishwarya will get 16 points for her efforts.
Aishwarya Pissay in Dubai before with her medal. The TVS Racing talent is supported by Sidvin Core Tech, Scott Sports India, K&N, Pepsico and CutGear.
Aishwarya has bagged 16 points with her achievement today. This year, the ladies should take part in at least one of the 10 FIM 2021 Baja World Cup rounds to be eligible for the finals, which will have a coefficient of 2. Along with the final rankings, two other best events rankings, among the ten, will be counted for the World Cup Baja title. The individual qualifying rounds will have a coefficient of 1.
Note: Class and Points corrected on 22 Feb 2021 at 4.28 pm
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Team MRF Tyres welcomes Italian legend Paolo for 2021 rally season
Sardenga, 19 Feb 2021: Team MRF Tyres is excited to have an 11-time Italian national champion joining the squad for the season as Paolo Andreucci’s car will be shod by the Indian tyres for the 2021 Italian Gravel Rally Championship.
Andreucci joins the team for the six-round Italian Gravel Rally Championship campaign and will drive a Citroen C3 Rally 2 on the latest generation of MRF Tyres.
Being able to partner with an 11-time national champion inspires confidence and a strong commitment to building on the progress made over the past year for MRF Tyres.
Andreucci has more than 20 years of experience in tyre development and these skills will be a valued asset throughout the season for Team MRF Tyres.
Alongside side the six round Italian Gravel Rally Championship, Team MRF Tyres has an aggressive 2021 testing schedule and Andreucci will play an important role in this program.
It demonstrates MRF Tyres’ commitment to the European market and the desire to reach the front of the world’s best championships.
The Italian Gravel rally Championship is one of the strongest and toughest championships in the world, drawing big fields and creating expert drivers.
After seven years on the west coast, Italy’s gravel round of the FIA World Rally Championship will swap sides for 2021. That’s not to say Alghero won’t be included in this year’s itinerary. Following the 2.76km shakedown at Loiri Porto San Paolo close to Olbia, the cars cross the Mediterranean island to Alghero where the picturesque town hosts the ceremonial start on the Thursday evening.
The crews remain in town overnight before heading off for the first day’s action on Friday morning. From then on, the cars will return to service at Olbia’s waterside Molo Brin area.
The season starts on 24-25 April with Rally Adriatico where Andreucci, along with codriver Francesco won here last year. The second round will be supporting the WRC with the Rally Italia Sargenda in early June. San Marino follows before the Rally Città di Arezzo – Valtiberina.
It was on these Tuscan roads last year where Emil Lindholm/Mikael Korhonen dominated the event before a mechanical issue robbed Team MRF Tyres of victory.
The final two rounds of the season take place on 11-12 September with the Rally dei Nuraghi e del Vermentino and on 6-7 November with the Liburna Rally Terra 2021.
Andreucci’s signing comes after a successful 2020 season with Team MRF Tyres taking stage wins in the company’s first-ever season in top-level European Rally competition.
It is the next piece in the puzzle as MRF Tyres continues to develop and build on a strong 2020 campaign.
The 2021 season started well for MRF Tyres with Lindholm/Korhonen taking a podium spot in the opening round of the Finnish Championship at Artic Rally. It makes two podiums from two outings on snow and ice after Craig Breen and Paul Nagle achieved a podium in 2020 in Finland.
MRF Tyres has proven pace and experience on gravel rallying around the world, producing perfect tyres for national and regional rallying. As MRF Tyres prepares to take on more and more top-level rallies around the world.
Further announcements for the 2021 campaigns will be made in due course. The next outing for Team MRF Tyres will be the SM OK Auto Ralli, the second round of the Finnish Rally Championship with Lindholm/Korhonen on 5-6 March.
Quotes
Paolo Andreucci (Driver, Team MRF Tyres, Italian Gravel Rally Championship)
“MRF Tyres is a very important company in the automotive market and, above all, is investing seriously in motorsport. We have common and converging objectives, and this commitment is what has drawn me to this program.”“I like to challenge myself with new opportunities, and I am excited about this one. I am a person who has always made commitment and determination based on strengths. It is thanks to the passion and technical knowledge of the entire team at MRF Tyres that I believe together we can do a good job.”
“For 2021, we want to be as competitive as possible in the Italian Gravel Rally Championship and above all to help MRF in developing competition tyres. The potential is high as well as everyone’s desire to achieve important goals.”
Mr. Arun Mammen (Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, MRF Tyres)
“We are proud of how competitive Team MRF Tyres was in the 2020 European Rally Championship season. Every one at MRF Tyres is working hard and we are happy to be present competitively on a world stage like this.”“To be able to attract an 11-time national champion to MRF Tyres speaks about our commitment to rallying in Europe and the continued development of our rally tyre. We are dedicated to further our success and we look forward to the Italian Gravel Rally Championship.”
“I would like to welcome Paolo to the team and wish him the best of luck for the 2021 season.”
About MRF Tyres
MRF Tyres was established in 1946 and now employs over 16,000 people and has revenue of around US$2.5 billion making it the biggest tyre supplier in India. MRF Tyres supplies rally and race tyres around the world. MRF Tyres entered the European Rally Championship for the first time in 2020 taking stage wins and took a podium position in the team’s first snow rally in the Finnish Rally Championship. It is part of a long motorsport heritage for the company that has seen multiple Asia Pacific Rally Championship titles, open wheeler success, national rally and racing success.About Paolo Andreucci
Paolo Andruecci is an Italian rally stalwart, having broken onto the scene in the late 1980s. It didn’t take him long to make his mark, taking a top 10 in Rally Portugal in 1989, taking second in class in the Production WRC class. He has made his career in Italy on gravel and tarmac, starting over 330 rallies and taking 80 wins. Incredibly, he has taken 11 Italian titles overall and a further five class titles. He brings a wealth of experience to MRF Tyres and our aggressive development campaign into Europe.Andreucci’s Championship titles
2020 –Italy 2WD class (Tarmac), 2018 – Italian Championship, 2017 – Italian Championship, 2015 – Italian Championship, 2014 – Italian Championship, 2012 – Italian Championship, 2011 – Italian Championship, 2010 – Italian Championship, 2009 – Italian Championship, 2006 – Italian Championship, 2005 – Italian S1600 class, 2004 – Italian S1600 class, 2003 – Italian Championship, 2003 – Italian S1600 class, 2001 – Italian Championship, 1998 – Italian 2WD Championship, 1997 – Italian 2WD ChampionshipAbout the Italian Gravel Rally Championship (Campionato Italiano Rally Terra)
Formed in 2017, the Italian Gravel Rally Championship allows the finest rally drivers to take on the best gravel roads across Italy. Sanctioned by the national ASN, ACI Sport, tallies typically take place over a single day of competition with around 70km of competitive action (except for the Rally Italia Sardegna which supports the WRC round). The fields are highly competitive with more than 20 Rally 2 cars, producing exciting finishes – to the point that the 2020 Rally San Marino was tied with 0.0 between the first two cars! The 2020 Champion was WRC2 front runners Bulacia Wilkinson Marco/Marcelo Der Ohannesian. Andreucci took second with two victories with codrivers Francesco Pinelli and Anna Andreussi.2021 Italian Gravel Rally Championship Calendar
1. Rally Adriatico 2021 (24-25 April)
2. Rally Italia Sardegna 2021 (3-6 June)
3. San Marino Rally 2021 (26-27 June)
4. Rally Città di Arezzo – Valtiberina 2021 (30 July – 1 August)
5. Rally dei Nuraghi e del Vermentino 2021 (11-12 September)
6. Liburna Rally Terra 2021 (6-7 November) -
Saudi star Al Rajhi, Mare top time sheets to take Dubai Baja lead; Aishwarya on target
Dubai, 19 Feb 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi dominated the opening leg of the Dubai International Baja with a stunning drive on Friday while UAE-based South African rider Aaron Mare moved within reach of back-to-back bike victories as the rally entered the motorsport record books topping the time sheets on Day 1. Meanwhile, India’s world cupper Aishwarya Pissay had successfully completed the course on Day 1 finishing the SS1 with aplomb despite some initial hiccups.
Reunited with long-time British co-driver Michael Orr, Al Rajhi took his Toyota Hilux Overdrive into a lead of 21mins 31 secs over fellow-Saudi Yasir Seaidan, accompanied by Aleksei Kuzmich in a Mini John Cooper Works Rally
The UAE’s Khalid Al Qassimi and German Dirk Von Zitzewitz were just four seconds further adrift in third place in an Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR in the second round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas for cars.
Ruled out last year because of the coronavirus emergency, the rally is being staged in compliance with strict COVID-19 Protocol, and it made history today as the first FIA World Cup cross-country event to be run on solar power.
Yazeed Al Rajhi and co-driver Michael Orr lean in their Toyota Hilux Overdrive on 19 Feb 2021 in Dubai International Baja after Leg 1. An ASO image Based at DEWA’s Innovation Centre located at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the event provided a challenging first leg test for drivers and riders on a 192km passage through the dunes and plains of the Al Qudra desert.
With Al Rajhi taking charge of DEWA’s Innovation Centre Special Stage as he chases a first cars victory in the event, France’s Pierre Lachaume and Loic Minaudier in a PH Sport Zephyr, Pavel Lebedev and Kiril Shubin in a CAN AM Maverick and Claude Fournier with Szymon Gospodqrczyk, also in a CAN AM Maverick, completed the top six.
Lachaume and Minaudier finished the day heading the T3 buggies category while Lebedev and Shubin were winning the race for the T4 title.
Top-seeded Honda rider Mare, returning to action after a 2019 Dakar Rally crash, produced another impressive display as he moved into a 2 mins 20 secs first leg bikes lead over fellow countryman and 2017 winner Mark Ackerman on a Husqvarna, with British KTM rider Sam Smith in third.
The UAE’s Sultan Al Balooshi on a Husqvarna, Jordanian Abdallah Abuaisheh riding a KTM and the UAE’s 2018 winner and World Cup champion Mohammed Al Balooshi on another Husqvarna completed the top six in the opening round of this year’s FIM Bajas World Cup.
Emirati Mansoor Al Suwaidi on a Yamaha YFZ 450 R was a runaway leader of the quads category with a huge lead of 1hr 38 mins 10 secs from Saudi Haitham Al Tuwayjiri on another Yamaha.
Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Baja is sponsored by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Arabian Automobiles Nissan.
“It feels good to welcome back World Cup cross country rallying, especially as we’re setting an example for other events to follow in sustainable motor sport development,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization and FIA Vice President for Sport.
Al Rajhi reached the end of the stage to say: “It was a good day and we drove fast, with Michael doing a good job. We had some technical issues at around 30km and later a puncture. But a good day. And good to have Michael back.”
Al Qassimi said: “The first 20km the car was hesitant on the dunes. We tried different ways but kept getting stuck. Because there has been no rain the sand is very soft so we tried to avoid the dunes as much as possible.”
Mare completed today’s leg to say: “It was good stage, pretty technical in places and some very fast straight flats. This has been my first since crashing in the 2019 Dakar. Since then I have had surgery and been focusing on getting fit.”
The event had started without the top-seeded driver and co-driver combination of Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov who arrived in Dubai only for their Mini John Cooper Works Rally to be held up by customs formalities in Saudi Arabia following the Dakar Rally.
Among the early casualties were the UAE’s Yahya Al Helei and Khalid Al Kendi whose Nissan Pick Up went out of the rally with mechanical problems. The surviving drivers and riders next tackle Saturday’s 194 kms Arabian Automobiles Nissan Special Stage which leads to the podium and prizegiving at the Innovation Centre at 5.15pm.
Provisional leading positions after DEWA’s Innovation Centre Special Stage
Cars
1. Yazeed Al Rajhi/ Michael Orr (SAU / GBR) / Toyota Hilux Overdrive 2:40:57.0
2. Yasir Seaidan / Aleksei Kuzmich (SAU /RAF) / Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3:02:28.0
3. Khalid Al Qassimi / Dirk Von Zitzewitz (ARE / DEU) / Peugeot 3008 DKR 3:02:32.0
4. Pierre Lachaume / Loic Minaudier (FRA / FRA) / PH – Sport Zephyr 3:13.43.0
5. Pavel Lebedev / Kiril Shubin (RUS / RUS) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 3:23:51.0
6. Claude Fournier / Szymon Gospodqrczyk (FRA / POL) / CAN AM Maverick 3:28:57.0
7. Mshari Al Therifi / Ali Hassan Obaid (KWT / ARE) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 3:43:47.0
8. Khaled Al Feraihi / Omar Allahim (SAU / SAU) / Nissan Pick Up 4:04:34.0
9. Michael Fadel / Craig Tyson (ARE / ARE) / Polaris / T3 4:25:50.0
10. Laia Sanz / Lucas Cruz (SPA / SPA) / CAN AM Maverick / T4 4:40:58.0
Bikes
1. Aaron Mare (ZAF) / Honda CRF 450 R 2:37:14.0
2. Mark Ackerman (ZAF) / Husqvarna FX 450 2:39:34.0
3. Sam Smith (GBR) / KTM SX – F 450 2:41:08.0
4. Sultan Al Balooshi (ARE) / Husqvarna FC 450 2:41:36.0
5. Abdallah Abuaisheh (JOR) / KTM SX-F 450 2:45:50.0
6. Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE) / Husqvarna FC 450 2:47:26.0
7. Martin Michek (CZE) / Husqvarna SX F450 2:52:30.0
8. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) / KTM SX-F 450 2:58:53.0
9. Darko Marasovic (CRO) / KTM SX – F 450 3:00:04.0
10. Abdulla Dakhan (ARE) / Yamaha YZ 450 F 3:03:34.0
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Aishwarya Pissay successfully completes SS1 in 18th place, in her class
Dubai, 19 Feb 2021: World Cup Baja winner and ace Indian rider Aishwarya Pissay of TVS Racing successfully completed the Leg 1 finishing 18th in her Group 1, Class 1, and overall 23rd in the FIM 2021 Dubai International Baja here in the Deserts of Al Qudra on Friday.
After a complicated year for the motorcycle world, the Dubai International Baja which attracted 43 competitors (37 motorcycles and six quads) returned to with its tough cross-country section of two stages and a total of 427.2 competitive kilometres.
Taking part in Group 1 for bikes and in the Ladies Moto class, Aishwarya clocked a creditable 4 hours, 31 minutes and 17 seconds for the 202.43km Selective Section 1 (SS1), with a competitive distance of 192.23km, that is part of Leg 1 on Friday. She finished 23rd in the timed stage and in overall timings, and second in the Ladies class which saw three out of four registered riders finish the day. In her Group, she finished 18th.
This year, the ladies should take part in at least one of the 10 FIM 2021 Baja World Cup rounds to be eligible for the finals, which will have a coefficient of 2. Along with the final rankings, two other best event rankings will be counted for the World Cup Baja title. The rounds will have a coefficient of 1.
South African Aaron Mare (Honda) sports the #1 ranked rider, finished first in the overall category ahead of compatriot Marck Ackerman (the second ranke on #2 Husqvarna). While Englishman Smith, on his #4 bike was ahead of Emirati Sultan Al-Balooshi (#3), who saw his brother Mohammed (#7) finish ninth on a Husqvarna, after SS1. Mare clocked 3:06:14.0 to top the time charts after Leg 1 (SS1).
Of the four riders in the female category Pol M finished on top clocking 3:49:44.0 while Aishwarya Pissay of India came second in SS1 with a time of 4:28:18.0 as she had to overcome mid-way hiccups navigating the tough dunes and managed to complete the day successfully. Llobera Farre M was a further 11 minutes behind in third place. The second leg SS2 of 204.75km is yet to be completed for the two-day cross-country rally which is a round of the FIM Baja World Cup.
Konrad Dabrowski (KTM) who, at 19-years-old, has just finished 28th at the Dakar Rally, did not find her name in the finishers list for Day 1.
The 25-year Bengaluru rider, Aishwarya Pissay, is the brand ambassador for Scott and Sidvin, the first two sponsors who supported her entry into the big world of Cross-Country rallying from July 2019. Run by former biker and Indian motorsports officionado Mohan, Sidvin Core Tech, is a customer focused Engineering Service provider for Oil & Gas, Petrochemical & Process Industry. She is also supported by Scott Sports India, CutGear, K&N Engineering and Pepsico, who recognised her talent and hardwork and have been sponsoring her as she backed by TVS Racing and Sherco.
Centred around the city of Dubai, the event got underway with administrative and technical checks at the Innovation Center for international riders on Thursday.
To access the bivouac and all the technical and administration checks, riders and their assistance teams had to undergo a Covid-19 test in a tent located in front of the entrance to the bivouac.
