C S Santhosh becomes first Indian to enter Dakar Rally - IAB Report

17/12/2014 - 13:35 | ,   | Shrawan Raja

Red Bull backed rider to pilot KTM 450 Rally.

A proud moment for India as it becomes official that C S Santosh would be competing in the 2015 Dakar Rally. This is the first time ever an Indian will be taking part in the world's most grueling rally challenge. Santosh would be riding with Kini Red Bull team, piloting a KTM 450 Rally for the event.

CS Santhosh with Dakar Rally race bike
C S Santhosh was the winner of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm Rally 2014.

Although, this is Santosh's first attempt at the rally, his mechanic, Melot Benjamin is the same man who has worked with the motorcycles of rally raid expert Ruben Faria in the past editions of the Dakar Rally. Santosh is also backed by PB Racing group from Pune.

Following up to his Dakar preparations, the Bangalore-based rider has been training hard, trying to compete in as many championships as possible. He recently finished the World Cross Country Rally Championship with good results in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, followed by Morocco which was the most challenging till date for the rider, setting up ideal preparations before the Dakar.

CS Santhosh with racing suit
C S Santhosh participated in the World Cross Country Rally Championship in preparation for Dakar Rally.

Also read: Sarath Kumar claims podium at Honda Asia Dream Cup

Sathosh is the current winner of of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm which took place in Rajasthan early this year and has clinched the title at the five-day Raid De Himalayas two years ago. The 2015 Dakar Rally will be taking place between January 4-17 which would take him through a grueling journey across Argentina, Chile and Bolivia through 13 stages.

C S Santhosh to participate in Dakar Rally 2015 - Press Release

[Head to Slideshare if you can't view the press release.]

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