Chennai: The country’s top TSD rallyists along with defending champion Gagan Sethi and his co-driver Sabatullah Khan are set to fly on the eve of the JK Tyre Hornbill Rally, held in the backdrop of the famous Hornbill Festival at Kohima, Nagaland. The defending champion promises another valiant attack on the title.
“It is great to be back here in Nagaland for the Hornbill Rally. I come here as defending champion and I know that I am the favourite this year too,’ Gagan said. ‘Of course, a lot has changed in the last three years and a number of new faces and new contenders have emerged. But I am confident that we will be able to defend the title,” he added.
The TSD rally which will run over a distance of 55 kms is going to be tricky as the rallyists will not be given prior information about the course or the triple cautions. They will be handed the tulips just a minute before the flag-off, making their task that much more challenging.
“The mystery is what turns this into a level playing field and we have to rely on our instincts and calculations to get over the line first. We are really excited and are confident of finishing on the podium,” said Samuel, another rallyist.
Hari Singh, head of Operations of JK Motorsport and multiple-time Indian National Rally Championship, was highly impressed with the way local organisers NAMSA have planned the entire event. “I have seen the course and it’s amazing. The drivers are going to love it even though their skills will be severely tested,” he said.