MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship 2017

Consolidated Media Coverage Report (Round 1)

Date: July 29 - August 1, 2017

Print Index S.No Publication Edition Date 1 Times of India Kolkata 30/7/2017 2 Times of India Bangalore 30/7/2017 3 Times of India Chennai 30/7/2017 4 Times of India Delhi 30/7/2017 5 Times of India Jaipur 30/7/2017 6 Times of India Chandigarh 30/7/2017 7 Times of India Kochi 30/7/2017 8 Times of India Hyderabad 30/7/2017 9 Times of India Lucknow 30/7/2017 10 New Indian Express Chennai 30/7/2017 11 New Indian Express Bangalore 30/7/2017 12 New Indian Express Hyderabad 30/7/2017 13 The Hindu Coimbatore 30/7/2017 14 Deccan Chronicle Chennai 30/7/2017 15 Deccan Herald Bangalore 30/7/2017 16 Sakal Times Pune 30/7/2017 17 Mirror Bangalore 30/7/2017 18 Mirror Mumbai 30/7/2017 19 Mirror Pune 30/7/2017 20 Dainik Jagran New Delhi 30/7/2017 21 EiSomoy Kolkata 30/7/2017 22 Economic Times Bangalore 31/7/2017 23 Economic Times Mumbai 31/7/2017 24 Economic Times New Delhi 31/7/2017 25 Economic Times Kolkata 31/7/2017 26 Economic Times Jaipur 31/7/2017 27 Bangalore Mirror Bangalore 31/7/2017 28 Deccan Herald Bangalore 31/7/2017 29 Hindustan Times New Delhi 31/7/2017 30 The Times of India Bangalore 31/7/2017 31 The Times of India New Delhi 31/7/2017 32 The Times of India Mumbai 31/7/2017 33 The Times of India Kolkata 31/7/2017 34 The Times of India Hyderabad 31/7/2017

35 The Times of India Chennai 31/7/2017 36 New Indian Express Bangalore 31/7/2017 37 New Indian Express Chennai 31/7/2017 38 New Indian Express Hyderabad 31/7/2017 39 The Hindu New Delhi 31/7/2017 40 The Hindu Hyderabad 31/7/2017 41 The Hindu Kolkata 31/7/2017 42 The Hindu Coimbatore 31/7/2017 43 Pioneer New Delhi 31/7/2017 44 Statesman New Delhi 31/7/2017 45 The Free Press Journal Mumbai 31/7/2017 46 Mumbai Mirror Mumbai 31/7/2017 47 Punjab Kesari New Delhi 31/7/2017 48 Kannada Prabha Bangalore 31/7/2017 49 Vijay Karnataka Bangalore 31/7/2017 50 Dainik Jagran (Rashtriya) National 31/7/2017 51 Trinity Mirror Chennai 1/8/2017 52 Asian Age New Delhi 1/8/2017

Online Index

Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/top-stories/mrf-fmsci- 29/7/2

1 indian-national-rally-championship-flagged-off/articleshow/59823837.cms 017

Times of http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/top-stories/national-rally- 29/7/2

2 India revamped-inrc-to-boost-competition/articleshow/59828943.cms 017

http://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square-off- 29/7/2

3 DNA at-national-rally-c-ship-2517856 017

Sportske https://www.sportskeeda.com/motorsports/gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square- 29/7/2

4 eda off-in-round-1-of-mrf-fmsci-indian-national-rally-championship-on-sunday 017

India http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square-off-at- 29/7/2

5 Today national-rally-cship/1/1014175.html 017

http://www.oneindia.com/sports/gill-karna-amittrajit-square-off-inrc- 29/7/2

6 One India coimbatore-2509875.htmll 017 29/7/2

7 S4 News https://www.s4news.in/k/fmsci 017

The http://www.thehindu.com/sport/motorsport/mrf-rally-kadur-gill-and- 29/7/2

8 Hindu ghosh-raring-to-go/article19386884.ece 017

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square- 29/7/2

9 Outlook off-at-national-rally-cship/1111427 017

Covai http://www.covaipost.com/coimbatore/mrf-fmsci-indian-national-rally- 29/7/2

10 Post championship-from-tomorrow/ 017

Business http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/32-teams-in-fray-for- 29/7/2

11 Standard round-1-of-mrf-national-championship-preview-117072900664_1.html 017

http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/32_teams_in_fray_for_Rou 29/7/2

12 IANS nd_1_of_MRF_National_Championship-559005/SPORTS/9 017

NDTV https://auto.ndtv.com/news/2017-fmsci-indian-national-rally- 29/7/2

13 Auto championship-to-kick-start-on-sunday-1730884 017

Article.w https://article.wn.com/view/2017/07/29/MRF_Rally_Kadur_Gill_and_Ghos 29/7/2

14 n h_raring_to_go/ 017

Article.w https://article.wn.com/view/2017/07/29/MRF_FMSCI_Indian_National_Rall 29/7/2

15 n y_Championship_flagged_off/ 017 29/7/2

16 Nerve http://www.nerve.in/news:2535003946658 017 29/7/2

17 Pioneer http://www.dailypioneer.com/sports/2017-07-30-184087.html 017

India.co http://www.india.com/news/agencies/32-teams-in-fray-for-round-1-of-mrf- 29/7/2

18 m national-championship-preview-2362400/ 017

Magz http://www.magzmumbai.com/gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square-off-in-round- 29/7/2

19 Mumbai 1-of-mrf-fmsci-rally/ 017

http://www.sify.com/news/32-teams-in-fray-for-round-1-of-mrf-national- 29/7/2

20 Sify championship-preview-news-others-rh3uaghjdcghb.html 017

SportzWi http://sportzwiki.com/more/preview-32-teams-fray-round-1-mrf-national- 29/7/2

21 ki championship/ 017

https://in.news.yahoo.com/32-teams-fray-round-1-mrf-national- 29/7/2

22 Yahoo championship-141204648.html 017

Sports http://www.sportstarlive.com/motorsport/mrf-rally-hot-battle-on-the- 29/7/2

23 Star Live cards/article19385615.ece 017

News http://www.newseleven.in/2017-fmsci-indian-national-rally-championship- 29/7/2

24 Eleven to-kick-start-on-sunday/ 017

Motorsp https://www.motorsport.com/indian-rally/news/inrc-rally-of-coimbatore- 29/7/2

25 ort.com kadur-gill-the-ones-to-watch-out-for-936053/ 017 29/7/2

26 Shafaqna http://sportnews.shafaqna.com/EN/US/194132 017

Business http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/gill-glides-to-easy- 30/7/2

27 Standard win-in-inrc-opener-117073000352_1.html 017

Business http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/rallyist-gill-takes- 30/7/2

28 Standard round-1-of-mrf-national-championship-117073000359_1.html 017

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/top-stories/fmsci-indian- Times of national-rally-championship-gaurav-gill-takes-round-1-in- 30/7/2

29 India style/articleshow/59833359.cms 017

Times of http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/rallyist-gill-takes- 30/7/2

30 India round-one-of-mrf-national-championship/articleshow/59838003.cms 017

http://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/gaurav-gill-glides-to-easy- Hindusta win-in-indian-national-rally-championship-opener/story- 30/7/2

31 n Times 7SPsBJ0ZmTwj6ogcFe2lfM.html 017

Indian http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/gaurav-gill-glides-to- 30/7/2

32 Express easy-win-in-inrc-opener-4774510/ 017

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-inrc- 30/7/2

33 Outlook opener/1111999 017

http://www.ptinews.com/news/8937076_Gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-INRC- 30/7/2

34 PTI opener.html 017

http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/Rallyist_Gill_takes_Round_ 30/7/2

35 IANS 1_of_MRF_National_Championship-559076/SPORTS/9 017

http://www.sify.com/news/rallyist-gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf-national- 30/7/2

36 Sify championship-news-others-rh4stRcgfjccb.html 017

https://www.canindia.com/rallyist-gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf-national- 30/7/2

37 Can India championship/ 017 Eastern Mirror http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/rallyist-gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf- 30/7/2

38 Nagaland national-championship/ 017

http://www.india.com/news/agencies/gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-inrc- 30/7/2

39 India opener-2364117/ 017

http://www.india.com/news/agencies/rallyist-gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf- 30/7/2

40 India national-championship-2364131/ 017

http://www.news18.com/news/sports/gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf-fmsci- 30/7/2

41 News 18 indian-national-rally-championship-1477513.html 017

https://www.nyoooz.com/news/coimbatore/882425/rallyist-gill-takes- 30/7/2

42 Nyooz round-one-of-mrf-national-championship/ 017 Web https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/Sports/20170730/3158227.ht 30/7/2

43 India 123 ml 017

Trinity http://www.trinitymirror.net/news/gill-takes-round-1-mrf-fmsci-national- 1/8/20

44 Mirror rally-championship-style/ 17

Drive https://www.drivespark.com/four-wheelers/2017/indian-national-rally- 1/8/20

45 Spark chamionship-rally-coimbatore-gaurav-gill-wins-023184.html 17

Overdriv http://overdrive.in/news-cars-auto/2017-rfc-india-gurmeet-virdi-and-kirpal- 1/8/20

46 e tung-emerge-victorious-again/ 17

Reportval http://reportvala.in/2017/08/01/gaurav-gill-wins-opening-round-of-mrf- 2/8/20

47 a fmsci-inrc-in-coimbatore/ 17

Published Date: August 1, 2017 Publication: Asian Age

Edition: Chennai Page No: 35

Published Date: August 1, 2017 Publication: Trinity Mirror

Edition: Chennai Page No: 2

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Kolkata Page No: 10

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Mumbai Page No: 26

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 26

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 18

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Hyderabad Page No: 18

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Chennai Page No: 18

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Sakal Times

Edition: Pune Page No: 10

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Deccan Herald

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 18

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Hindustan Times

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Economic Times

Edition: Kolkata Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Economic Times

Edition: Mumbai Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Economic Times

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Economic Times

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 16

Publication: July 31, 2017 Publication: Bangalore Mirror

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 16

Publication: July 31, 2017 Publication: Mumbai Mirror

Edition: Mumbai Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: Chennai Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: Chennai Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: Kolkata Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: Hyderabad Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: Mumbai Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The New Indian Express

Edition: Chennai Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The New Indian Express

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The New Indian Express

Edition: Hyderabad Page No: 16

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Mail Today

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 31

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Free Press Journal

Edition: Mumbai Page No: 17

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Pioneer

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 17

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: The Statesman

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 17

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Kolkata Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Chennai Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Delhi Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Hyderabad Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Jaipur Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Kochi Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Chandigarh Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Times of India

Edition: Lucknow Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: New Indian Express

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 18

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: New Indian Express

Edition: Chennai Page No: 18

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: New Indian Express

Edition: Chennai Page No: 18

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: Coimbatore Page No: 20

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: Sakal Times

Edition: Pune Page No: 12

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: Deccan Chronicle

Edition: Chennai Page No: 12

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: Deccan Herald

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 12

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: Mirror

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: Mirror

Edition: Pune Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: Mirror

Edition: Mumbai Page No: 23

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: Dainik Jagran

Edition: Delhi Page No: 12

Published Date: July 30, 2017 Publication: EiSamoy

Edition: Kolkata Page No: 12

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Punjab Kesari

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 13

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Vijay Karnataka

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 13

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Kannada Prabha

Edition: Bangalore Page No: 11

Published Date: July 31, 2017 Publication: Dainik Jagran

Edition: New Delhi Page No: 13

ONLINE

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Online Page No:

MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship flagged off http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/top-stories/mrf-fmsci-indian-national-rally- championship-flagged-off/articleshow/59823837.cms

The MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 will be held here on Sunday, with the country's best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours. A total of 32 teams will be in fray at the opening round of the championship.

The championship was flagged off by the Coimbatore district collector TN Hariharan at the Codissia Grounds on Saturday. He congratulated the organisers and wished luck to the competitors.

With two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) likely to be the main contenders once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200km in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of the city, with 71.40km earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads. It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads.

Addressing a press conference Arindam Ghosh, director, RRPM, said, "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains."

"For the first time in Indian motor sports, we will have an air ambulance to cope with any emergencies or contingencies," J Prithviraj, the Clerk of the Course, said. As for the rally itself, he said that the stages would be very different compared to last year as the layout has been changed. "We have created artificial jumps in consultation with the promoter at spectator points to get their adrenaline pumping," Prithviraj added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim said that the new rally season would be highly competitive. "We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove. "I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," Kadur said.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Online Page No:

MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship flagged off http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/top-stories/national-rally-revamped-inrc-to-boost- competition/articleshow/59828943.cms

The MRFFMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) returns in a bigger and better format this season with MRF Rally of Coimbatore here on Sunday. Thirty-two cars will be in fray in the opening round which will be held at the Kethanur village some 40 km from here.

This time, with the addition of one more round in Arunachal Pradesh, the competition will have six rounds in all giving it a more pan-Indian look.

All the leading drivers of the country will be in fray with Team Mahindra's Gaurav Gill and Amittrajit Ghosh renewing their old rivalry. However, defending champion Karna Kadur, who is with a new team (ARKA Motorsports), cannot be counted out.

The cars will have to negotiate five very fast and technical gravel road stages which constitute 71.40 km of the 200-km rally.

Last year's champion here, Ghosh, however, looks a bit rusty having being out of action for seven months. "I am returning to my car after seven months. So I have set myself a modest target. My main aim is to get my rhythm back for the season ahead," the Kolkata-based driver said.

Gill, who failed to finish here last time after his car developed a mechanical snag, is determined to make amends. He agreed that the last INRC season didn't go well for him. "Yes it was not the best of INRCs for me as I missed out on points in some rounds. But this time with special gravel tyres and good preparation, I expect good results," the two-time Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) winner stated.

However, doing away with the Indian Rally Championship (IRC) and introduction of new step-up cars is expected to add more zeal to the contest.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: DNA

Edition: Online Page No:

MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship flagged off http://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square-off-at-national-rally-c-ship- 2517856

Top rallyists, including Gaurav Gill, Karna Kadur and Amittrajit Ghosh, will be squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours when the curtain goes up on the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here tomorrow.

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the championship, the MRF Rally of Coimbatore, with two-time APRC champion Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR

Racing) likely to be the main contenders once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of the city of

Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for 5 special stages on gravel roads. It traverses through closed sections of, both, public and private, roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC." In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that s in the past," Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

Amitrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months. "I will get into my rhythm soon," he said.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Sportskeeda

Edition: Online Page No:

MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship flagged off https://www.sportskeeda.com/motorsports/gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square-off-in-round-1-of-mrf-fmsci- indian-national-rally-championship-on-sunday

The curtain goes up on the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here in Coimbatore on Sunday, with the country’s best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners’ purses. Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the championship, the MRF Rally of Coimbatore, with two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) likely to be the main contenders once again. The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of the city of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for 5 special stages on gravel roads. It traverses through closed sections of, both, public and private, roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: “The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC." In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

J Prithviraj, the Clerk of the Course, was expectedly excited. “For the first time in Indian motor sports, we will have an air ambulance to cope with any emergencies or contingencies,” he said.

As for the rally itself, he said that the stages would be very different compared to last year as the layout has also been changed. “We have created artificial jumps in consultation with the promoter at spectator points to get their adrenaline pumping,” he explained.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

“Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that’s in the past,” Gaurav Gill declared.

“I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove. Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amitrajit Ghosh also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months. "I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: India Today

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill, Karna, Amittrajit to square off at National Rally Cship http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square-off-at-national-rally- cship/1/1014175.html

Top rallyists, including Gaurav Gill, Karna Kadur and Amittrajit Ghosh, will be squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours when the curtain goes up on the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here tomorrow. Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the championship, the MRF Rally of Coimbatore, with two-time APRC champion Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) likely to be the main contenders once again. The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of the city of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometers earmarked for 5 special stages on gravel roads. It traverses through closed sections of, both, public and private, roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance. Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC." In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt. "Last year my car broke down so I couldn’t be among the top contenders. But that’s in the past," Gill said. "I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added. Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove. Amitrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn’t been in a rally car for seven months. "I will get into my rhythm soon," he said.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: One India

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill, Karna, Amittrajit to square off at National Rally Cship http://www.oneindia.com/sports/gill-karna-amittrajit-square-off-inrc-coimbatore-2509875.htmll

Top rallyists, including Gaurav Gill, Karna Kadur and Amittrajit Ghosh, will be squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours when the curtain goes up on the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here tomorrow. Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the championship, the MRF Rally of Coimbatore, with two-time APRC champion Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) likely to be the main contenders once again. The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of the city of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometers earmarked for 5 special stages on gravel roads. It traverses through closed sections of, both, public and private, roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance. Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC." In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt. "Last year my car broke down so I couldn’t be among the top contenders. But that’s in the past," Gill said. "I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added. Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove. Amitrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn’t been in a rally car for seven months. "I will get into my rhythm soon," he said.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: S4 News

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill, Karna, Amittrajit to square off at National Rally Cship https://www.s4news.in/k/fmsci

Top rallyists, including Gaurav Gill, Karna Kadur and Amittrajit Ghosh, will be squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours when the curtain goes up on the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally

Championship (INRC) here tomorrow.

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the championship, the MRF Rally of Coimbatore, with two-time APRC champion Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR

Racing) likely to be the main contenders once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of the city of

Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for 5 special stages on gravel roads. It traverses through closed sections of, both, public and private, roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by

Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC." In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that s in the past," Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

Amitrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months. "I will get into my rhythm soon," he said.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Covai Post

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill, Karna, Amittrajit to square off at National Rally Cship http://www.covaipost.com/coimbatore/mrf-fmsci-indian-national-rally-championship-from-tomorrow/

With best rallyists, including defending champion Karna Kadur squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, the curtain goes up on the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here tomorrow. In all, 32 teams will be in fray at the opening round of the championship, the MRF Rally of Coimbatore, with two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) likely to be the main contenders. The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the city outskirts, with 71.40 Kms earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads. It traverses through closed sections of, both, public and private, roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnissance, Arindam Ghosh, Director, Ramakrishna Race Performance Management (RRPM), the hosts, told reporters here. “The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us.

For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC,” Ghosh said. In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt, he said. “For the first time in Indian motor sports, we will have an air ambulance to cope with any emergencies or contingencies,” the Clerk of the Course, J. Prithviraj, said. As for the rally, he said that the stages would be very different compared to last year as the layout has been changed. “We have created artificial jumps in consultation with the promoter at spectator points to get their adrenaline pumping,” Prithviraj said.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Outlook India

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill, Karna, Amittrajit to square off at National Rally Cship https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square-off-at-national-rally- cship/1111427

Top rallyists, including Gaurav Gill, Karna Kadur and Amittrajit Ghosh, will be squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours when the curtain goes up on the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) here tomorrow.

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the championship, the MRF Rally of Coimbatore, with two-time APRC champion Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR

Racing) likely to be the main contenders once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of the city of

Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for 5 special stages on gravel roads. It traverses through closed sections of, both, public and private, roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC." In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that s in the past," Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

Amitrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months. "I will get into my rhythm soon," he said.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: The Hindu

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill, Karna, Amittrajit to square off at National Rally Cship http://www.thehindu.com/sport/motorsport/mrf-rally-kadur-gill-and-ghosh-raring-to- go/article19386884.ece

Defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports), Gaurav Gill and Amittrajit Ghosh (from Team Mahindra Adventure) will look forward to begin the season with a bang in the first round of the MRF Rally of Coimbatore at the Kethanur Windmill farm near Palladam here on Sunday.

“Last year my car broke down so I couldn’t be among the top contenders. That’s in the past but now I am ready and raring to go. We have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us,” said Gill, the two-time APRC champion.

As for Kadur, he will be competing for a new team this season. “I will need some time to get the car into the groove. But I am feeling good and confident,” he said.

Ghosh, the two-time INRC champion, said he was a little rustic. “I hadn’t been in a rally car for seven months but I will get into my rhythm soon.”

FMSCI head Akbar Ebrahim said the new rally season will be highly competitive.

“We have close to 35 teams, which is a very good start, and we have six rounds as well, which will test the drivers a lot more.”

This year, the stage layout has been changed. “We have created artificial jumps to make it a bit exciting,” said J. Prithviraj, the Clerk of the Course.

Interestingly, for the first time the promoters will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh, backed by Arunachal Tourism.

Another first in Indian motorsports is the use of an air ambulance to cope with any emergencies.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: NDTV Auto

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill, Karna, Amittrajit to square off at National Rally Cship https://auto.ndtv.com/news/2017-fmsci-indian-national-rally-championship-to-kick-start-on-sunday- 1730884

The adrenaline levels are certainly running this weekend as the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) is back for the 2017 season and will kick start on 30th July 20 17. This year's edition will bring the country's best rallyists taking the wheel to traverse some of the most difficult terrains as they battle for the top honours and the ultimate win. The INRC will also be moving to Arunachal Pradesh this year for the first time. The opening round begins tomorrow in Coimbatore with 32 teams competing for the title.

Some of the more prominent names participating in the 2017 MRF FMSCI INRC include two -time APRC champion Gaurav Gill for Team Mahindra Adventure, defending champion Karna Kadur for ARKA Motorsports INRC, as well as two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh for Team Mahindra Adventure and Arjun Rao for AR Racing.

From LtoR: Karna Kadur, Amittrajit Ghosh, FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim, Gaurav Gill and Arjun Rao

The first round of the rally will cover a distance of 200 km in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of the city of Coimbatore. Out of the total run, 71.40 km has been earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads. The special stages will see the rally pass through closed sections of both public and private roads.

J Prithviraj, the Clerk of the Course said that the stages would be very different compared to last year with a change in the layout. Artificial jumps have been created at spectator points to get their adrenaline pumping.

Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said, "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

Defending champion Karna Kadur aims to retain his title in MRF FMSCI INRC 2017

There will be six rounds this year that will be held across different locales and terrains, putting driver's skills to the test. In addition, the 2017 season will also see a major push towards better

safety with an air ambulance on standby to address to any emergencies. This is a first for Indian motorsports.

As for the contenders, the top drivers are ready towards an exciting season. Gaurav Gill said, "Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past. I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us."

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, said that he would need some time to get his car into the groove. "Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he added.

Amitrajit Ghosh also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months. "I will get into my rhythm soon," he said.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Pioneer

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill, Karna, Amittrajit to square off at National Rally Cship http://www.dailypioneer.com/sports/2017-07-30-184087.html

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses. Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again. The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Business Standard

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/32-teams-in-fray-for-round-1-of-mrf-national- championship-preview-117072900664_1.html

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: India.com

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://www.india.com/news/agencies/32-teams-in-fray-for-round-1-of-mrf-national-championship- preview-2362400/

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: IANS Live

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/32_teams_in_fray_for_Round_1_of_MRF_National_Ch ampionship-559005/SPORTS/9

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Shafaqna

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://sportnews.shafaqna.com/EN/US/194132

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Nerve

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://www.nerve.in/news:2535003946658

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Article.Wn

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) https://article.wn.com/view/2017/07/29/MRF_Rally_Kadur_Gill_and_Ghosh_raring_to_go/

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Article.Wn

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) https://article.wn.com/view/2017/07/29/MRF_FMSCI_Indian_National_Rally_Championship_flagged_of f/

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Magz Mumbai

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://www.magzmumbai.com/gill-karna-amittrajit-to-square-off-in-round-1-of-mrf-fmsci-rally/

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Sify

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://www.sify.com/news/32-teams-in-fray-for-round-1-of-mrf-national-championship-preview-news- others-rh3uaghjdcghb.html

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: SportzWiki

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://sportzwiki.com/more/preview-32-teams-fray-round-1-mrf-national-championship/

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Yahoo

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) https://in.news.yahoo.com/32-teams-fray-round-1-mrf-national-championship-141204648.html

Thirty-two teams will be in fray at the opening round of the MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2017 here on Sunday, with the countrys best rallyists squaring off and renewing their battles for top honours, glory and handsome winners purses.

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill (Team Mahindra Adventure), defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports INRC), two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Team Mahindra Adventure) and Arjun Rao (AR Racing) are likely to be the main contenders for the title once again.

The rally will cover a distance of 200 kilometres in and around Kethanur, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, with 71.40 kilometres earmarked for five special stages on gravel roads.

It traverses through closed sections of both public and private roads and the entire route map has already been shared with the competitors for reconnaissance.

Commenting on the event, Arindam Ghosh, Director, RRPM said: "The 2017 edition of INRC is a big season for us. For the first time, we will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh and the good news is that it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism. This is a great development as globally tourism plays a major role in sponsoring motor sports, including in the WRC."

In all, there will be six rounds this year and all of them will be held in different locales and different terrains which will test the skills of the drivers to the hilt.

During the media interaction, the main contenders looked eager and confident.

"Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. But that's in the past," Gaurav Gill said.

"I am ready and raring to go now. We are going to have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us," he added.

FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim agreed that the new rally season would be highly competitive.

"We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start," he said. "We have six rounds which will test the drivers a lot more," he said.

Defending champion Karna Kadur, who will be competing for a new team this season, conceded that he would need some time to get his car into the groove.

"Beyond that, though, I am feeling good and confident. It should be fun as we have more rounds," he said.

Amittrajit also revealed that he was a little rustic as he hadn't been in a rally car for seven months.

"I will get into my rhythm soon," he said, talking about his chances.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Motorsport.com

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) https://www.motorsport.com/indian-rally/news/inrc-rally-of-coimbatore-kadur-gill-the-ones-to-watch- out-for-936053/

Kadur (co-driver Nikhil Pai), who has switched from Team Yokohama to ARKA Motorsports INRC this season, is hoping to make the best of the conditions. However, he is wary of the challenge from Team Mahindra Adventure’s Gill (Musa Sherif). Two-time INRC champion Amittrajit Ghosh (Ashwin Naik) of Team Mahindra Adventure and Arjun Rao (Satish Rajagopal) of AR Racing are the other competitors to watch out for. There is a fair grid of 32 cars in Coimbatore, India’s hotbed for motorsport. The event is being organised by the Coimbatore Auto Sports Club. The total rally distance is 200Km and will be run in and around Kethanur, which is on the outskirts of Coimbatore. The total special stage distance is 71.40 kilometres with five gravel stages to compete on. Following the shakedown on Saturday, Kadur told Motorsport.com: “The shakedown went well and we are about 1.5 seconds quicker on the MRF Tyres as compared to last year. “However, we are still waiting for the car upgrades. Last year, things fell into place after the Delhi round. We hope to have some upgrades soon but our effort will be on scoring points,” he added. “It is a challenge to compete against Gaurav. He is the best in the country and beating him is the target. “Our car is set up perfectly. The stages are bigger, wider and quicker this year. But they are also rougher. “Since we will be the first to start, there will be advantage in some parts, while it may not be to our advantage in others,” he felt. Two-time and defending Asia-Pacific champion Gill said: “Our car is faster this year and we have moved to the 17 inch gravel tyres from MRF that have never been used but made specially for Mahindra. “So, the overall grip is better than before. “The average speeds are higher here. Last year, I clocked about 98Kmph, but this year, I see it crossing 100. We have to make the best of it in the morning.

“It is always a delight to come back to Coimbatore. The stages are twisty and fast. High speeds are possible, even about 180Kmph in some places,” he added. Ghosh hoped to get back into the groove soon as he has not been in the car for seven months. "I will get into my rhythm soon," he said. Clerk of the Course J Prithviraj said: “For the first time in Indian motorsport, we have an air ambulance to cope with any emergencies or contingencies. “We have created artificial jumps at spectator points to get their adrenaline pumping,” he explained.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Sports Star Live

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://www.sportstarlive.com/motorsport/mrf-rally-hot-battle-on-the-cards/article19385615.ece

Defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports), Gaurav Gill and Amittrajit Ghosh (from Team Mahindra Adventure) will look forward to begin the season with a bang in the first round of the MRF Rally of Coimbatore at the Kethanur Windmill farm near Palladam here on Sunday.

“Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. That’s in the past but now I am ready and raring to go. We have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us,” said Gill, the two-time APRC champion.

For Kadur, he will be representing a new team this season. “I would need some time to get the car into the groove. But I am feeling good and confident," he said.

Ghosh, the two-time INRC champion, said he was a little rustic. “I hadn't been in a rally car for seven months but I will get into my rhythm soon."

The FMSCI Head Akbar Ebrahim said the new rally season would be highly competitive. "We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start and we have six rounds as well which will test the drivers a lot more.”

This year, the stage layout has been changed. "We have created artificial jumps to make it a bit exciting,” said J. Prithviraj, the Clerk of the Course.

Interestingly, for the first time the promoters will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh. The good news is, it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism.

Another first in Indian motorsports is the use of an air ambulance to cope with any emergencies.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: News Eleven

Edition: Online Page No:

32 teams in fray for Round 1 of MRF National Championship (Preview) http://www.newseleven.in/2017-fmsci-indian-national-rally-championship-to-kick-start-on-sunday/

Defending champion Karna Kadur (ARKA Motorsports), Gaurav Gill and Amittrajit Ghosh (from Team Mahindra Adventure) will look forward to begin the season with a bang in the first round of the MRF Rally of Coimbatore at the Kethanur Windmill farm near Palladam here on Sunday.

“Last year my car broke down so I couldn't be among the top contenders. That’s in the past but now I am ready and raring to go. We have new car set-ups from the next round which will make the cars faster and so a lot more exciting for us,” said Gill, the two-time APRC champion.

For Kadur, he will be representing a new team this season. “I would need some time to get the car into the groove. But I am feeling good and confident," he said.

Ghosh, the two-time INRC champion, said he was a little rustic. “I hadn't been in a rally car for seven months but I will get into my rhythm soon."

The FMSCI Head Akbar Ebrahim said the new rally season would be highly competitive. "We have close to 35 teams which is a very good start and we have six rounds as well which will test the drivers a lot more.”

This year, the stage layout has been changed. "We have created artificial jumps to make it a bit exciting,” said J. Prithviraj, the Clerk of the Course.

Interestingly, for the first time the promoters will be hosting a round in Arunachal Pradesh. The good news is, it is being backed by Arunachal Tourism.

Another first in Indian motorsports is the use of an air ambulance to cope with any emergencies.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Business Standard

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill glides to easy win in INRC opener http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-inrc-opener- 117073000352_1.html

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began the 2017 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here today. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co- driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last place on the podium even though they had technical issues with their vehicle. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park ferme just three seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself. Five other teams joined them on the DNF list, with the heat playing a role. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car literally burnt down; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch. RESULTS: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas&ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah G.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Business Standard

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/rallyist-gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf-national- championship-117073000359_1.html

Two-time Asia-Pacific Rally (APRC) champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) on a positive note, winning the first round of the compititon here on Sunday.The 35-year-old ace rallyist and his co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself.

Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field.Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd km in an hour and 36 seconds, almost in a canter.

Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute 45 seconds behind to take the second position.Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last spot on the podium even though they had technical issues with his vehicle.

Commenting on his win, Gill said: "It was a good win. I enjoy driving here in Coimbatore and it's always nice to start the season with a victory.""It was a nice smooth round, with no drama and no fuss. I particularly enjoyed the second stage where our skill and control came into play," he added.

Second spot finisher Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics.However, he stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position three seconds later.

Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the Round one honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order.One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Online Page No:

Gill takes Round 1 in style http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/top-stories/fmsci-indian-national-rally-championship- gaurav-gill-takes-round-1-in-style/articleshow/59833359.cms

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began the 2017 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here today. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co- driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last place on the podium even though they had technical issues with their vehicle. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park ferme just three seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself. Five other teams joined them on the DNF list, with the heat playing a role. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car literally burnt down; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch. RESULTS: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas&ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah G.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Times of India

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/rallyist-gill-takes-round-one-of-mrf-national- championship/articleshow/59838003.cms

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI

Indian national rally championship 2017 on a dominant note, winning round 1 with ease in the city on Sunday.

The 35-year-oldrallyist and co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 21 seconds ahead of the 24-car field.

Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi-based Gill showed his class in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometrein one hourand 36 seconds.

Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance) from Bengaluru finished a minute 45 seconds behind to take the second position while Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) were further adrift by 28 seconds to grab the third place.

Karna managed great speed in his Polo but could not match Gill's pyrotechnics. He, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising 3 seconds later.

Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the round 1 honour in INRC 3, finishing fifth in the INRC pecking order.

One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first couple of stages itself, joining six other teams on the DNF list. AroorVikram and SomayyaA G had a bad crash and their car burnt down in the opening stage itself. Luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch on their persons.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Network 18

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.news18.com/news/sports/gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf-fmsci-indian-national-rally- championship-1477513.html

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began the 2017 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here today. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co- driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last place on the podium even though they had technical issues with their vehicle. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park ferme just three seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself. Five other teams joined them on the DNF list, with the heat playing a role. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car literally burnt down; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch. RESULTS: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas&ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah G.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Hindustan Times

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/gaurav-gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-indian-national-rally- championship-opener/story-7SPsBJ0ZmTwj6ogcFe2lfM.html

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began the 2017 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here today. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co- driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last place on the podium even though they had technical issues with their vehicle. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park ferme just three seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself. Five other teams joined them on the DNF list, with the heat playing a role. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car literally burnt down; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch. RESULTS: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas&ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah G.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Indian Express

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/motor-sport/gaurav-gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-inrc-opener- 4774510/

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began the 2017 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here today. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co- driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last place on the podium even though they had technical issues with their vehicle. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park ferme just three seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself. Five other teams joined them on the DNF list, with the heat playing a role. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car literally burnt down; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch. RESULTS: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas&ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah G.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Outlook

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-inrc-opener/1111999

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began the 2017 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here today. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co- driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last place on the podium even though they had technical issues with their vehicle. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park ferme just three seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself. Five other teams joined them on the DNF list, with the heat playing a role. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car literally burnt down; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch. RESULTS: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas&ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah G.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Sify

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.sify.com/news/rallyist-gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf-national-championship-news-others- rh4stRcgfjccb.html

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began the 2017 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here today. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co- driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last place on the podium even though they had technical issues with their vehicle. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park ferme just three seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself. Five other teams joined them on the DNF list, with the heat playing a role. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car literally burnt down; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch. RESULTS: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas&ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah G.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: PTI

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.ptinews.com/news/8937076_Gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-INRC-opener.html

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began the 2017 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here today. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co- driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi's Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position. Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last place on the podium even though they had technical issues with their vehicle. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn't match Gill's pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park ferme just three seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself. Five other teams joined them on the DNF list, with the heat playing a role. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car literally burnt down; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch. RESULTS: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas&ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah G.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: IANS

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/Rallyist_Gill_takes_Round_1_of_MRF_National_Champi onship-559076/SPORTS/9

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI

Indian national rally championship 2017 on a dominant note, winning round 1 with ease in the city on Sunday.

The 35-year-oldrallyist and co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 21 seconds ahead of the 24-car field.

Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi-based Gill showed his class in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometrein one hourand 36 seconds.

Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance) from Bengaluru finished a minute 45 seconds behind to take the second position while Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) were further adrift by 28 seconds to grab the third place.

Karna managed great speed in his Polo but could not match Gill's pyrotechnics. He, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising 3 seconds later.

Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the round 1 honour in INRC 3, finishing fifth in the INRC pecking order.

One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first couple of stages itself, joining six other teams on the DNF list. AroorVikram and SomayyaA G had a bad crash and their car burnt down in the opening stage itself. Luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch on their persons.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Eastern Mirror Nagaland

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/rallyist-gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf-national-championship/

Two-time Asia-Pacific Rally (APRC) champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) on a positive note, winning the first round of the compititon here on Sunday.The 35-year-old ace rallyist and his co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field.Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi’s Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd km in an hour and 36 seconds, almost in a canter.Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute 45 seconds behind to take the second position.Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last spot on the podium even though they had technical issues with his vehicle.Commenting on his win, Gill said: “It was a good win. I enjoy driving here in Coimbatore and it’s always nice to start the season with a victory.”“It was a nice smooth round, with no drama and no fuss. I particularly enjoyed the second stage where our skill and control came into play,” he added.Second spot finisher Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn’t match Gill’s pyrotechnics.However, he stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position three seconds later.DeanMascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the Round one honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order.One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: India

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.india.com/news/agencies/gill-glides-to-easy-win-in-inrc-opener-2364117/

Two-time Asia-Pacific Rally (APRC) champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) on a positive note, winning the first round of the compititon here on Sunday.The 35-year-old ace rallyist and his co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 18 seconds ahead of the 24-car field.Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi’s Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd km in an hour and 36 seconds, almost in a canter.Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Arka Motorsports) from Bengaluru finished one minute 45 seconds behind to take the second position.Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) grabbed the last spot on the podium even though they had technical issues with his vehicle.Commenting on his win, Gill said: “It was a good win. I enjoy driving here in Coimbatore and it’s always nice to start the season with a victory.”“It was a nice smooth round, with no drama and no fuss. I particularly enjoyed the second stage where our skill and control came into play,” he added.Second spot finisher Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn’t match Gill’s pyrotechnics.However, he stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position three seconds later.DeanMascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the Round one honours in INRC 3, finishing fourth in the INRC pecking order.One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first stage itself.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: India

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.india.com/news/agencies/rallyist-gill-takes-round-1-of-mrf-national-championship- 2364131/

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI

Indian national rally championship 2017 on a dominant note, winning round 1 with ease in the city on Sunday.

The 35-year-oldrallyist and co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 21 seconds ahead of the 24-car field.

Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi-based Gill showed his class in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometrein one hourand 36 seconds.

Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance) from Bengaluru finished a minute 45 seconds behind to take the second position while Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) were further adrift by 28 seconds to grab the third place.

Karna managed great speed in his Polo but could not match Gill's pyrotechnics. He, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising 3 seconds later.

Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the round 1 honour in INRC 3, finishing fifth in the INRC pecking order.

One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first couple of stages itself, joining six other teams on the DNF list. AroorVikram and SomayyaA G had a bad crash and their car burnt down in the opening stage itself. Luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch on their persons.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Nyooz

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship https://www.nyoooz.com/news/coimbatore/882425/rallyist-gill-takes-round-one-of-mrf-national- championship/

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI Indian national rally championship 2017 on a dominant note, winning round 1 with ease in the city on Sunday.The 35-year-oldrallyist and co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 21 seconds ahead of the 24-car field.Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi-based Gill showed his class in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometrein one hourand 36 seconds.Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance) from Bengaluru finished a minute 45 seconds behind to take the second position while Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) were further adrift by 28 seconds to grab the third place.Karna managed great speed in his Polo but could not match Gill's pyrotechnics. He, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising 3 seconds later.DeanMascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the round 1 honour in INRC 3, finishing fifth in the INRC pecking order.One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first couple of stages itself, joining six other teams on the DNF list. AroorVikram and SomayyaA G had a bad crash and their car burnt down in the opening stage itself.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Web India 123

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/Sports/20170730/3158227.html

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI Indian national rally championship 2017 on a dominant note, winning round 1 with ease in the city on Sunday.The 35-year-oldrallyist and co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 21 seconds ahead of the 24-car field.Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi-based Gill showed his class in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometrein one hourand 36 seconds.Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance) from Bengaluru finished a minute 45 seconds behind to take the second position while Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) were further adrift by 28 seconds to grab the third place.Karna managed great speed in his Polo but could not match Gill's pyrotechnics. He, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising 3 seconds later.DeanMascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the round 1 honour in INRC 3, finishing fifth in the INRC pecking order.One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first couple of stages itself, joining six other teams on the DNF list. AroorVikram and SomayyaA G had a bad crash and their car burnt down in the opening stage itself.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Overdrive

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://overdrive.in/news-cars-auto/2017-rfc-india-gurmeet-virdi-and-kirpal-tung-emerge-victorious- again/

GurmeetVirdi and Kirpal Singh Tung have been declared the winners of the 2017 Force Gurkha Rainforest Challenge India. The duo racked up a total of 2019 points, out of 2600, on their way to Overall Champions at the event. They are the only Indian duo to have claimed victory in the RFC India, since the event was first held in 2014, and have now won it twice in a row.

Second RFC India win in a row for GerrariOffroaders' GurmeetVirdi and Kirpal Singh Tung

Finishing the event second overall, was JagatNanjappa from Team V5 Offroaders from Coorg, who had a total of 1906 points in the event. Nanjappa, a veteran rally driver from India, was co-driven by Chetan Chengappa. Third place went to Virdi and Tung's GerrariOffroaders team-mates - Sanbir Singh Dhaliwal and Gurpartap Singh - who scored1685 points.

It was disappointment for Team BODA (Bangalore Offroad Drivers Association), with drivers Siddartha Santosh and navigator Prithviraj AC, who were running as high as second at one stage of the event, being relegated to fourth in the closing stages of the 2017 RFC India.

Kirpal Singh Tung and GurmeetVirdi with their winners' trophies at the prize distribution ceremony of the 2017 RFC India

Speaking of his second RFC India crown in a row, Virdi said, "I am overjoyed that we've successfully managed to defend our title. It was a pretty tough competition, the positions kept on jumbling throughout, but we are happy that we came out victorious. There was no pressure throughout the event, but the last stage of the competition gave me some serious chills as the competition was really close. It's the first time that our club GerrariOffroaders has clinched two positions on the podium in RFC India. Overall, I couldn't have been happier."

Given that Gurmeet is the highest-placed Indiandriver at the 2017 RFC, he will be awarded monetary benefits that total up to USD 8000. This includes fully-paid entry for the RFC 2017 Grand Finale in Malaysia, travel to and from the event, and the cost of arranging the competition vehicle at the event.

"We witnessed an unprecedented level of competition this year. With the enhanced toughness quotient of the Special Stages and addition of the night stages, I expected the competition to be intense and I am happy that's exactly what it turned out to be. The superior performances showcased by some of the drivers this year makes me believe that the off-roading culture in our country has matured considerably and Indian off-roaders are all-set to give a tough time to the best drivers in the international arena," said Ashish Gupta, founder of Cougar Motorsport, the organisers of the Force Gurkha Rainforest Challenge India.

The Team Spirit Award went toRSumanth Shenoy from Chikmaglur, the Jungleman Award to Dr. Chaitanya Challa of Hyderabad Jeepers Adventure Association, the Most Unique 4X4 Award to 'The Hornet' driven by Yamunanagar-based Sushant Saini, the Environment Award to William Dwaine Jungen from Arizona (US), the Best Service Team Award to GerrariOffroaders Chandigarh and the Team Award to Team BODA. The newly instituted 'Rookie of the Event' award went to Goan driver DattarajRautDessai and his co-driver Pratik PrabhuDessai for their exemplary performance out of all the 13 new teams that made their debut in the competition this year. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Mr. Vijay Kumar for his outstanding contribution to off-road motorsport in India.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Trinity Mirror

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship http://www.trinitymirror.net/news/gill-takes-round-1-mrf-fmsci-national-rally-championship-style/

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship 2017 on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here in Coimbatore on Sunday. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 21 seconds ahead of the 24- car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi’s Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position while Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) were further adrift by 28 second to grab the last place on the podium. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn’t match Gill’s pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park fermé just 3 seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the Round 1 honours in INRC 3, finishing fifth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first couple of stages itself, joining six other teams on the DNF list. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car burnt down in the opening stage itself; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch on their persons. A good holiday crowd assembled at the spectator points on the outskirts of Coimbatore to enjoy the spectacle. They were treated to some brilliant and daring driving, with the stars of Indian rallying hitting the chicanes at high speed and leaving behind a dust trail. Results: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar.

INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah.

Published Date: July 29, 2017 Publication: Drive Spark

Edition: Online Page No:

Rallyist Gill takes Round 1 of MRF National Championship https://www.drivespark.com/four-wheelers/2017/indian-national-rally-chamionship-rally-coimbatore- gaurav-gill-wins-023184.html

Two-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill began his MRF FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship 2017 on a dominant note, winning Round 1 with consummate ease here in Coimbatore on Sunday. The 35-year-old ace rallyist and co-driver Musa Sherif, who were fourth off the blocks, stormed into the lead in the first stage itself. Gill tackled the gravel road with all its twists and turns in his typical aggressive way to round it up in just 12 minutes and 11 seconds, a full 21 seconds ahead of the 24- car field. Driving for Team Mahindra in an XUV 500, Delhi’s Gill showed his class and gumption in the remaining four stages too, sweeping each of them in style. He kept increasing his lead by a minimum of 20 seconds in each stage to finish the 70-odd kilometres in one hour and thirty-six seconds, almost in a canter. Defending INRC champion Karna Kadur and Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance) from Bengaluru finished one minute forty-five seconds behind to take the second position while Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) were further adrift by 28 second to grab the last place on the podium. Karna showed immense speed in his Polo but just couldn’t match Gill’s pyrotechnics; he, however, stayed ahead of the pack in the INRC 2 category. Rahul Kanthraj and Vivek Bhatt who finished overall fifth took the second position, cruising into the park fermé just 3 seconds later. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival claimed the Round 1 honours in INRC 3, finishing fifth in the INRC pecking order. One of the leading pairs, Arjun Rao and Satish Rajgopal, pulled out in the first couple of stages itself, joining six other teams on the DNF list. AroorVikram and Somayya AG, in fact, had a bad crash and their car burnt down in the opening stage itself; luckily, both the driver and the co-driver escaped without a scratch on their persons. A good holiday crowd assembled at the spectator points on the outskirts of Coimbatore to enjoy the spectacle. They were treated to some brilliant and daring driving, with the stars of Indian rallying hitting the chicanes at high speed and leaving behind a dust trail. Results: INRC: 1. Gaurav Gill & Musa Sherif (Team Mahindra Adventure); 2. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Amittrajit Ghosh & Ashwin Naik (Team Mahindra Adventure) INRC 2: 1. Karna Kadur& Nikhil Pai (Red Rooster Performance); 2. Rahul Kanthraj&Vivek Bhatt (Red Rooster Performance); 3. Younus Ilyas & Harish Kumar.

INRC 3: 1. Dean Mascarenhas and ShrupthaPadival; 2. DrBikuBabu&Milen George; 3. KM Bopaiah&Karumbaisah.