K-1000 in line to host APRC leg

“Impressed with the annual K-1000 rally, the FMSCI has recommended to the FIA that Karnataka be given the right to host an APRC event,” Bharath Murthy of India Mines Group-Sports, who along with Pro Sports Promotion run the Indian National Rally Championship, told reporters on Tuesday. “The issue will be discussed when the World Motorsport Council meets in December. I am hopeful the FIA will approve our candidature.”

INRC Rally Commission chairman Praneeth Perumal said the K-1000 was well prepared for FIA inspection in the event of getting a candidature. “This year, we made good progress in improving safety standards, timing equipment and in creating challenging rally circuits. If we get the nod, I am certain we can pull it through, though the infrastructure still needs development,” he observed.

Perumal also revealed that plans had been made to rope in cars from the Asian Zone for next year’s INRC. “Teams from Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka have approached us wanting to participate next year. While we have held discussions with nearly 20 teams, I am confident at least four teams from these countries will take part.

“But all that depends on the Government. There are a lot of formalities involved but we should be able to convince them as foreign participation will only boost the level of rallying in India,” added Perumal.