Otherwise, chances are that two weeks from now, the crown for India's best off-road biker may go to an Austrian.
Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm will be flagged off from here on Saturday. It will traverse a gruelling 2,200 kilometers through the rough outback of Sardarshahar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer to finally end at Jaipur on March 1.
Dakar-finisher Helmut Frauwallner, popularly known as Helly, has been big on the Indian motorsport circuit in the last few years. He was first in the Moto category at India's iconic motorsport event, The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya in 2010 and 2013.
Santosh admits that he was "dethroned" by Helly last year. "Yes, I have to salvage my reputation at the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. I'm carrying a lot of a weight on my shoulders, but luckily I'm strong," said the feisty 30-year-old.
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Manohar Bhat, Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki, said it was a matter of pride that the Desert Storm was attracting the best motorsport talent in the country.
"Our endeavour is to give our buyers diverse experiences, and fulfill their need for adventure in a safe, regulated environment. Maruti Suzuki Motorsport is one of the ways we connect with the youth, and the youthful spirit of all those who love driving," said Bhat.