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Tag: World Rally Championship
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Naveen Pulligilla and Musa Sherif make history as the first “all-Indian pair” to drive WRC
Nairobi, 27 March 2025: Hyderabad’s Naveen Pulligilla and co-driver Musa Sherif of Kasargod, created Indian motorsports history, as they became the first “all-Indian team” to participate in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The duo competed in the iconic Safari Rally Kenya 2025 from March 20 to 23 and won the RC3 Kenyan National Rally Championship.
Naveen and Musa, driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3 machine for the Africa Eco Motorsport team, were leading the WRC3 class with just two stages to go and were on the verge of a fairytale debut. But their luck failed as they encountered mechanical issues with the lower arm and were forced to pull out. Thankfully, by that stage, they had already clinched the RC3 class Kenyan Rally Championship title, which ran concurrently and concluded after 19 stages.
“Competing in the Safari Rally Kenya was an incredible experience. The terrain isn’t just challenging, it’s a shock for any first-timer, with boulder-strewn routes and unpredictable conditions. Despite that, we managed to maintain pace and stay within three minutes of the top WRC cars. The rally, the breathtaking countryside, and the wildlife made it unforgettable. I’m coming back in 2026,” said Naveen, who is planning to take part in two more WRC rounds in Saudi Arabia and Sardinia. “Competing in Kenya was a test of endurance, skill, and determination. The terrain was brutal, but we pushed through to make history as the first all-Indian team in WRC,” concluded Musa Sherif.
Naveen Pulligilla: A Rising Star in Indian Motorsport
Hailing from Hyderabad, Naveen Pulligilla is an accomplished off-road driver with a growing reputation in the rallying community. His international experience includes participation in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship in New Zealand in 2024. Known for his precise and aggressive driving style, Naveen has been an active competitor in the Indian National Rally Championship, consistently showcasing his skill and determination on challenging terrains.
Musa Sherif: India’s Most Decorated Co-Driver
Musa Sherif, from Kasaragod, Kerala, brings over 33 years of rallying experience to the partnership. As India’s most decorated co-driver, he has participated in more than 332 rallies, including 92 international events, and has secured 10 national championship titles. Musa’s journey in motorsports began in 1993, and since then, he has become a stalwart in the field, known for his meticulous navigation skills and strategic acumen.
The Safari Rally Kenya 2025: A Formidable Challenge
The Safari Rally Kenya is renowned for its demanding terrain, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking landscapes. The Indian duo completed 19 of the featured 21 challenging stages, which are the course par for the Kenyan Rally. The competitive distance was 383.10 km within a total rally distance of 1,381.92 km. Stages such as Camp Moran, Loldia, and Hell’s Gate are particularly noted for their technical complexity and natural beauty. For WRC, the distance was extended by two more Special Stages.
Preparation and Performance
In preparation for this formidable event, Naveen and Musa underwent pre-rally testing in Indonesia with technical assistance from MRU Motorsport, Malaysia. They also conducted additional testing and reconnaissance runs in Kenya to familiarize themselves with the challenging terrain. Their goal was to finish strong and gain valuable experience on the world stage.
Historical Context and Future Aspirations
Earlier, Indian rally drivers like Gaurav Gill and Naren Kumar took part in the World Rally Championship but had co-drivers from abroad, making the Safari Kenyan Rally the first WRC event which saw an all-Indian pair.
The Safari Rally Kenya is renowned for its demanding terrain, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking landscapes. The first Indian duo completed 19 of the 21 challenging stages, which had 383.10 km of competitive sections in a total rally distance of 1,381.92 km.
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Naveen Pulligilla, Musa Sherif set for historic WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 debut
Nairobi (Kenya), 19 March 2025: Indian motorsport marks a significant milestone as Naveen Pulligilla and Musa Sherif are set to become the first all-Indian team in WRC as they compete in the iconic Safari Rally Kenya 2025, a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), from March 20 to 23.
Competing for Africa Eco Motorsport team, the duo will take part in the WRC3 ARC3 class (African Rally Championship) in one of the most-gruelling events in the WRC calendar. Based in Naivasha, Kenya, the rally will feature 21 challenging stages spanning a competitive distance of 383.10 km, with a total rally distance of 1381.92 km, testing endurance and skill.
“The Safari Rally is one of the toughest challenges in motorsport, but we are prepared for the grind. Our goal is to finish strong and gain valuable experience,” said co-driver Musa Sherif.
“This is a dream come true. Competing in the WRC Safari Rally is a huge honour, and we are ready to showcase what Indian rallying is capable of,” added driver Naveen Pulligilla, who recently completed pre-rally testing in Indonesia in a Rally3 car, with technical assistance from MRU Motorsport, Malaysia.
Pulligilla, an accomplished off-road driver from Hyderabad, competed in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship in New Zealand last year. His co-driver, Musa Sherif from Kasargod, is India’s most decorated co-driver with over 33 years of experience, ten national championship titles, and participation in 331 rallies, including 91 international events. Both actively compete in the Indian National Rally Championship. Naveen’s precise and aggressive driving style, combined with Musa’s seasoned navigation and strategy, sets the stage for a landmark Indian presence in WRC.
The 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, the third round of the WRC season, is renowned for its demanding terrain, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking landscapes. The rally will include stages such as Camp Moran, Loldia, and Hell’s Gate, known for their technical complexity and natural beauty.
This historic participation marks a proud moment for Indian motorsport. “Hope it paves the way for greater recognition of Indian rallying talent, and hopefully inspires more Indians to race abroad,’’ concluded Naveen and Musa.
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WRC Round 4 resumes in Croatia on a sombre note: Craig Breen remembered
It’s a return to Tarmac and Croatia for round four of the 2023 FIA World Rally Championship for what will be a sombre occasion following the passing of Craig Breen in a team testing accident last week (Thursday).
Zagreb, 17 April 2023: While the 33-year-old’s death has left the entire WRC community in a state of shock, Croatia Rally’s third appearance in the world championship presents an opportunity for his peers to honour his memory.
Croatia follows on from Rally México where a second victory of 2023 for Sébastien Ogier has put the eight-time WRC champion on top of the provisional standings, albeit with a slender three-point advantage over Thierry Neuville. Kalle Rovanperä, the defending champion, is just one point further back. Rally Sweden winner Ott Tänak is fourth for the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, nine points adrift of Ogier, with Elfyn Evans 12 behind his Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate.
Taking place from April 20-23, Croatia Rally first hosted the WRC in 2021 when Ogier overtook and beat Evans by 0.6s in a thrilling final-stage battle. The top two positions were also reversed on the deciding stage last season, as Rovanperä defeated Tänak.
As well as counting for overall FIA WRC2, FIA WRC2 Challenger, FIA WRC3 and FIA WRC Masters, Croatia Rally forms round two of the FIA Junior WRC Championship, which is currently led by William Creighton following his victory in Sweden.
THE ROUTE IN SHORT
Croatia Rally organisers have elected to follow a tried and tested route, albeit with some minor adjustments.
The Stojdraga – Gornja Vas stage on leg one now runs through to the village of Hartje, a move that has increased its length from 20.77 to 25.67 kilometres and the rally’s timed distance to 301.26 kilometres. Replacing Jaškovo – Mali Modruš Potok, the Ravna Gora – Skrad stage, meanwhile, is new for 2023 and takes place on leg two.
Getting underway on Thursday, April 20 on the 3.65-kilometre Shakedown stage near Okić, an ancient town with records dating back to 1193, the National University Library and Zagreb Fountains is home to the Ceremonial Start from 18h30.
The Samoborsko Gorje, Žumberak and Karlovac hills west and southwest of host city Zagreb on Friday, April 21 provide the setting for four repeated stages run either side of service at the Zagreb Fair exhibition site.
Four more double-use stages west of Zagreb and split by service in the capital offer the challenge on Saturday, April 22 with leg two’s Platak stage including a section in view of the Adriatic Sea.
The deciding leg on Sunday, April 23 is formed of two stages that run twice and start with Trakošćan – Vrbno, the rally’s northernmost stage. The day also features the 14.09-kilometre Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec Power Stage from 13h15 CET with the INA building located adjacent to the service park providing the backdrop for the podium finish from 15h30.
CROATIA RALLY DATA
Stage distance: 301.26 km
Total distance: 1650.68 km
Number of stages: 20
SUPPORTING CATEGORIES
Twenty crews are entered for the WRC2 category with the three class winners of 2023 – Yohan Rossel (PH Sport Citroën C3 Rally2) plus Toksport Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 pair Oliver Solberg and Gus Greensmith – all in action. Nikolay Gryazin will also contest the country’s WRC round along with a number of others, including Sami Pajari, Czech driver Erik Cais and Adrien Fourmaux, who is representing M-Sport.
Croatian brother and sister Martin and Dora Ravenščak are among the WRC3 crews getting a taste of the world championship competition, while eight fellow rising talents are in contention for the Junior WRC victory. They include the Junior ERC champion from 2022, Laurent Pellier and Belgian Tom Rensonnet, who is supported by the RACB National Team initiative from his national ASN.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE WRC FOR 2023?
– WRC2 Junior becomes WRC2 Challenger as the criteria switch to focus on competitor experience rather than age
– WRC2 Masters for drivers 50 or over in Rally2 cars expands to also allow Rally3, Rally4, Rally5 and RGT cars. The name has changed to WRC Masters as a result
– Central European Rally featuring stages in Austria, Czech Republic and Germany joins the WRC schedule for the first time in October
– To further promote sustainability, testing away from nominated test venues for Rally1 manufacturers is cut from 28 to 21 days
– In the interests of reducing the hours that volunteer officials must be in duty, morning service on gravel events is removed from the itinerary
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Rovanpera wins Rally Estonia: WRC
Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen have made it five wins in this season’s FIA World Rally Championship and their seventh in total with their second victory on Rally Estonia.
After scoring their first WRC career triumph in Estonia 12 months ago, the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT pair moved in front on Friday’s final stage and steadily pulled clear of their rivals to take top spot in their hybrid-powered Toyota GR Yaris Rally1.
They underlined their dominance by taking the rain-hit Wolf Power Stage with a winning margin of 22.5s to secure outright victory by 1m00.9s ahead of team-mates Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin. Home heroes Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja completed the podium for the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team.
With seven rounds run, Rovanperä and Halttunen head the provisional championship standings by 83 points. Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT head the provisional Manufacturers’ order by 87 points.
In the FIA WRC2 category defending champion Andreas Mikkelsen (Toksport WRT Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) fought off Teemu Suninen’s late charge to take his third win of the season after Suninen reported his Hyundai Motorsport N-entered i20 N Rally2 dropped on to two cylinders during the final stage.
The day report, including details of the FIA WRC3 Junior winner, and the post-event press conference transcript will follow.
