Turbo-charged, all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X would be making its debut in the AVT Premium South India Rally, the first round of 2013 FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship commencing here tomorrow.
The event received strong support from country's top drivers following a reconnaissance run on today ahead of the two-day event that would see many firsts.
Another first is the participation of team Mahindra who are fielding three of their top-end XUV500 in the newly-created SUV category while Volkswagen would also be making marking their presence in the form of the popular Polo, a diesel driven car, with three of the hatch-backs in a 35-vehicle grid.
The Evo, prepared by Bangalore's Racetech, would be driven by Samir Thapar of JCT Rallying with seasoned Vivek Ponnusamy, the 2012 APRC co-driver champion, on the left seat. As many as nine makes of cars will be seen in action and they include: the Evo X, Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia, Volkswagen Polo, Mahindra XUV 500, Maruti Esteem, Maruti Gypsy, Maruti Baleno, Maruti SX4 and Honda City.
Reigning National champion Amittrajit Ghosh (co-driver Ashwin Naik), who will be driving a Mitsubishi Cedia (Group N) and 2011 champion Gaurav Gill (Musa Sherif), in a XUV 500 were unanimous in their praise of the terrain that they described as smooth and fast.
"I quite liked the Stages which are quite smooth and fast with a few tight sections. We have prepared well for the event and hope to start the new season on a strong note," said the Kolkata-based Ghosh at a media conference here today.
Delhi's Gill, having missed the 2012 INRC season, looked forward to a good run, though it would be a first for him driving a SUV in the National championship.
