• Motorsports enthusiasts will traverse over 2200 kms in 6 days
• 250 motorsport enthusiasts to compete in XTreme, NDure, Xplore and Motto Quad categories

Car market leader Maruti Suzuki’s most endearing and challenging motorsport rally, the 12thMaruti Suzuki Desert Storm was flagged off amidst much fervour and excitement. Around 250 motorsports enthusiasts will traverse over 2200 kms over 6 days.

Often called Mini Dakar - the competition is fraught with perils and undulating terrains mixing shifting sand dunes, dried up lake beds and routes that can be big challenge for best navigators in the world.

During the flag off, Mr. Manohar Bhat, VP Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “It is a matter of pride to see the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rapidly grow in size and stature over the years. It is heartening that this year we have the largest participation for this annual flagship motor sport event of the country. The rally Desert Storm is not just about speed and ability to cover a distance in shortest time which is used in Extreme format but also about precision calculative driving which is used in Endure and Explore Format. It is an ultimate test of the man and the machine.

After the flag off from Delhi the rally will move to Sardarshahar covering almost 300 Km of transport stage. The first leg of the rally will kick-off in the midnight and move to Bikaner, Chattargarh, Jaisalmer, Sam, Pokharn, Gajnaur, Kagsar, Lakshmangarh, and finally culminate at Jaipur on 1stMarch’14.

This year’s Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm will run in two different routes, one for the Xtreme and Ndure, and two for the Xplore category. Besides an amalgamation of adventure, excitement and myriad risks, the mix of high speed off-roading and TSD (Time Speed Distance) format offers higher adrenaline rush and a smoother conduct. Maruti Suzuki is the only automobile manufacturer that allows vehicles of all makes in its off road events and participation from across categories irrespective of age, gender and nationality.

Maruti Suzuki & Motorsports: Maruti Suzuki has been actively promoting motorsports in the country for over 15 years now. To popularize action sport, the Maruti Suzuki motorsport calendar is packed with exciting motoring events. Be it for a motorsport enthusiast, an amateur or a professional, there are events that offer the thrill and joy of motorsport to one and all. The annual calendar of events includes Autocross, Treasure Hunt and professional rallies including Maruti Suzuki Raid-De-Himalaya, Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm and Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare. These events provide rallying thrills as well as promote safe driving habits.

In a unique initiative to promote the motorsport, this year Maruti Suzuki organized a special capsule on Motorsports at the 12th Auto Expo 2014. Maruti Suzuki brought the live action and thrill of Motorsports to the visitors at its pavilion. Branded as “Celebrating Maruti Suzuki Motorsports” the capsule gave the young visitors a sneak peek into the world of motorsports. The nine times winner Mr. Suresh Rana shared his experience of rallying and what it takes to be in the motorsports.

For more information please visit: www.marutisuzukimotorsport.com