Full Name: ARJUN RAO AROOR
DOB: 09/06/1983
Home: MANGALORE
Category Competing: 1600CC
Car: BALENO
Team: MRF
Co-driver: SATISH KUMAR
Favorite Surface: DIRT
Career Highlights:
Debut: COCHIN 0CT 2001 RALLY STAR CUP
First win: NASHIK JUNE 2003 RALLY STAR CUP
Best: DELHI NOV 2005 in the 1600CC
Other: Chikmagalur 1st, Cochin 1st, Pune 1st, Chandigarh 2nd, Mysore 3rd.
How and when did you enter the world of rallying?
Since we have an automobile dealership, cars and bikes always fascinated me. My uncle was into rallying and that's how my interest towards motor sports built up. And as soon as I became 18 yrs I entered the world of rallying, as it's always been my passion.
What do you consider as the biggest break in your rallying career?
The biggest break in my rallying career was when I got selected by MRF in the year 2005 and became overall third in the very same year.
What has been your biggest inspiration in rallying?
I think watching the greats like Peter Solberg, Sabastein Loeb, Naren kumar, has always motivated and inspired me to be like them.
Describe your most unforgettable incident in rallying.
When I challenged Naren kumar in my very first year of driving in the 1600cc at Delhi.
What's the top speed that you have touched on a stage?
180 km/h at Delhi 2005 in a Baleno
How often do you practice and where?
We just practice a week before any event at Coimbatore.
Are you superstitious/do you have a ritual before you get into the car/start a stage...etc?
Yes in my own ways.
Which round of the INRC is your favorite and why?
K1000 and chandigarh for dirt as the stages are very demanding..
Goa and Cochin for tarmac as the stages are very fast and requires 100% dedication.
How would you compare Indian rally's with the International ones?
There is absolutely no comparison as we struggle to even run a decent championship which comprises of atleast 8 rounds a year...
Any tips for upcoming drivers and navigators?
If they are capable of driving international then that's where they should be and not waste their time here in India.
How do you think we can popularize rallying in India?
Until politics is stopped nothing is going to change.
Given a chance, which WRC driver would like to co-drive for and in which car?
I would love to co -drive for Peter Solberg in a Subaru wrx.
What do you do when you are not rallying?
We have an automobile dealership. (Maruti, Tata and Bajaj )
Do you play or are you involved in any other form of sport?
Just keep my self fit by going swimming and going to the gym.
Who is your favourite sportsman?
Peter Solberg and Kimmi Raikonnen
  
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