Synopsis
Naveen Pulligilla and Musa Sherif made history as the first all-Indian team to compete in the World Rally Championship, winning the RC3 Kenyan National Rally Championship during the Safari Rally Kenya 2025 held from March 20 to 23.Key Takeaways
- Naveen Pulligilla and Musa Sherif are the first all-Indian team in WRC.
- They won the RC3 Kenyan National Rally Championship.
- Encountered mechanical issues but completed 19 stages.
- Planning to participate in future WRC events.
- The Safari Rally Kenya is known for its tough terrain.
Nairobi, March 26 (NationPress) Naveen Pulligilla from Hyderabad and his co-driver Musa Sherif of Kasargod have etched their names in the annals of Indian motorsports by becoming the first all-Indian team to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC). They participated in the legendary Safari Rally Kenya 2025 held from March 20 to 23, where they secured the RC3 Kenyan National Rally Championship.
Driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3 for the Africa Eco Motorsport team, Naveen and Musa were leading the WRC3 class with only two stages remaining, on the brink of a remarkable debut. Unfortunately, they faced mechanical troubles with the lower arm, which forced them to withdraw. Fortunately, by that time, they had already secured the RC3 class Kenyan Rally Championship title after completing 19 stages.
"Participating in the Safari Rally Kenya was an extraordinary experience. The terrain is not only challenging but also a surprise for any newcomer, filled with boulder-strewn paths and unpredictable conditions. Despite the difficulties, we kept up the pace, finishing within three minutes of the leading WRC cars. The rally, the stunning scenery, and the wildlife made it an unforgettable journey. I will definitely return in 2026," stated Naveen, who aims to participate in two additional WRC rounds in Saudi Arabia and Sardinia.
“Rallying in Kenya tested our endurance, skill, and determination. The terrain was harsh, but we persevered to make history as the first all-Indian team in WRC,” concluded Musa Sherif.
Naveen has been a consistent contender in the INRC for the past few years and participated in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship in New Zealand in 2024, recognized for his precise and aggressive driving style.
Musa Sherif, a driver from Kerala who called the pace notes, contributes over 33 years of rallying experience to this partnership. As India's most celebrated co-driver, he has participated in over 332 rallies, including 92 international events, and has won 10 National titles. He is the reigning co-driver champion of the 2024 Indian National Rally Championship.
Previously, Indian rally drivers like Gaurav Gill and Naren Kumar participated in the World Rally Championship, but with foreign co-drivers. Thus, the Safari Kenyan Rally marked the first WRC event featuring an all-Indian pairing.
The Safari Rally Kenya is famous for its challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and stunning landscapes. The first Indian duo completed 19 out of the 21 demanding stages, covering 383.10 km of competitive segments over a total rally distance of 1,381.92 km.
