Hero MotoSports Team Rally to compete at India BAJA

New Delhi, March 30 : Close on the heels of its impressive debut at the Dakar 2017, Hero MotoSports Team Rally is gearing up for India BAJA 2017 in April this year. This will be the teams second rally raid on Indian soil after its podium finish at the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm in Rajasthan in February.

Hero MotoSports Team Rally is aiming to deliver yet another good performance at the India BAJA 2017, after the team clocked an impressive debut season at the Dakar rally earlier this year.

For the India BAJA 2017, Hero MotoSports Team Rally will be participating with its ace Portuguese rider Joaquim Rodrigues (JRod), who will be making his debut on Indian soil.

Rider C.S. Santosh has been given more recovery time. Santosh hurt his spine during a nasty crash in the recently concluded Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. While the team is really happy with his recovery and progress so far, Santosh has been advised some more rest before he starts riding again.

India BAJA will be held from April 7-9 in the expansive Thar desert of Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan. This edition of India BAJA is a part of the Dakar Challenge events which means that the winner of India BAJA gets a free entry into Merzouga Rally in Morocco in May and also an opportunity to participate in Dakar 2018.

Joaquim said on Thursday, "I am really excited to start the new season and working with the Hero MotoSports Team Rally to get ready for the India BAJA and the Merzouga Rally. 

"It is really cool to start working again with the team and kick off our season leading up to the Dakar 2018."

Santosh said: "I am still recovering from the injury that I picked up from a crash during the Desert Storm. I am healing well and working towards getting fit for the Merzouga Rally in May. 

"It is really disappointing to sit this one out, but I am confident that with Joaquim leading Hero MotoSports Team Rally, we will achieve a good result here!"