“Team SIDVIN India” – The First Indian Team for World Rally Championship announced

January 31, 2008 – Sidvin Core-tech India Pvt. Ltd., a leading Engineering Service provider for Oil & Gas Industry, today introduced the First Indian team for the 2008 FIA World Rally Championship in the Production Class. Making this announcement here at a press conference, Mr. Mohan Nagarajan – Chairman & Managing Director - Sidvin Core-Tech India Pvt. Ltd. said that the team will be called “Team Sidvin India” (TSI).

The significance of this announcement can be gauged

The significance of this announcement can be gauged by the fact that this is the very first time that an Indian team is participated in the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship (PWRC). Adding greater significance to the occasion is the fact that this is also the first time that an Indian driver would be at the helm of any World Rally Championship team. It is Naren Kumar, the most well know Rally Driver in the country, six times Indian National Rally champion and record 36 Wins in rallies who would be driving a Subaru Group N Rally Championship Car for the first time.

The first participating event for Naren of his Production World Rally Championship program will be one of the most famous in the World Rally Championship, the Acropolis Rally in Greece in the month of June. The team’s car will be supplied by Tommi Makinen Racing oy Ltd, based in Puuppola Finland, and will be run in conjunction with the Motoring Club of Italy to provide logistical support to the team.

Introducing Team Sidvin India, Mr. Nagarajan said, “This is a momentous occasion in the history of motor sports in India. Not only is ‘Team Sidvin India’ the first Indian team in the Production World Rally Championship, it is also led by an Indian driver. Worldwide, there is growing recognition of the fact that India is at the threshold of breaking into the big league of motor sports and we believe that this is one giant step in that direction.” Everyone in our Organization here at Sidvin Core-Tech, is very keen to promote our country and our talents, be it, in Engineering, Technology, Arts or Sports. TSI was created out of the same passion. It is very exciting for all of us to have Naren drive for us and with Tommi Makinen Racing oy Ltd Supplying the cars and the Motoring Club of Italy carrying out the preparation, we are looking forward to an exciting first season in the PWRC. “I am sure that we will produce good results with this excellent team. We have taken the first step to have an Indian World Rally Champion, and we are really looking forward to support from the entire nation in our endeavor” he added. Mr. Nagarajan was not alone in his optimism about the prospects of Team Sidvin India. Sharing Mr. Nagarajan’s opinion, Tommi Makinen, the four times World Rally Champion the CEO of Tommi Makinen Racing Oy Ltd said, “It is a privilege to be associated with the first Indian team “Team SIDVIN India” for the 2008 Production Car World Rally Championship. India represents a great opportunity for the future in terms of Motor Sport, and to be working with a company like Sidvin Core-Tech and Naren Kumar, I feel sure we are heading for some exciting times”.

Expressing his excitement at the opportunity of leading the first Indian team for the World Rally Championship, Naren Kumar said, “I am truly honoured to lead the first Indian team for the 2008 Production Car World Rally Championship and Now, with me driving for TSI, I am one step closer to realizing my ultimate dream: to be the first Indian to enter and win the World Rally Championship Title. I will do everything within my power to ensure that Team Sidvin keeps the Indian flag flying high at the Championship.

About FIA Production Car World Rally Championship

FIA Production Car World Rally Championship is a Championship specifically aimed at Group N production cars running in the main WRC – open to drivers or teams using near standard road cars which are mechanically identical to those sold in the dealer showroom with modifications made only to improve driver safety.

Launched in 2002 as a successor to the FIA Group N Championship, it attracts drivers and teams from nations all over the world. In the last few years a diverse selection of nationalities have represented up to 14 different countries in a season, covering Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. This season will see 30 drivers from 21 countries across the globe travel to FIVE CONTINENTS to tackle eight events on the WRC calendar.