Bangalore, Jul 23 (IANS): The Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team on Tuesday announced its five-member squad for the upcoming Baja Aragon 2019. The rally, taking place in Spain, is scheduled between July 25 and July 27.
The team comprises Dakar veteran Michael Metge (France), Lorenzo Santolino (Spain) and three Indian racers -- Aravind K.P., Harith Noah and Aishwarya Pissay. With Aishwarya currently leading in women's category of the Baja World Championship, she is aiming for her maiden international title in this prestigious championship.
The squad will race on the Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team's Dakar machine -- Sherco TVS RTR 450.
Aishwarya, a 23-year-old racer from Bengaluru, is currently leading in the women's category and is placed second in the junior section of Global Championship rankings.
Spanish racer Lorenzo Santolino is back in the rally after his recovery from the injury he picked up in the 2019 edition of Dakar. Fellow Sherco TVS racer Michael Metge has won Stage 9 of the 2019 Dakar Rally with a spectacular finish while Aravind K.P. is the only Indian racer to complete the 2019 Dakar Rally.
Michael Metge and Aravind K.P. also participated in the Merzouga Rally in April this year, where they put up impressive performances.
Commenting on the team's participation, TVS Racing team manager B. Selvaraj said, "It's a thrilling journey for us to take part in the 36th edition of Baja Aragon. The takeaways from such events are huge as it results in improving the team's technical capability and provides inputs for the development of robust motorcycles."
Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team pilot Aravind K.P. said, "After Dakar and Merzouga Rally, I am all set to pull up my socks and perform at Baja Aragon this year. It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of the TVS team and perform at the international level. Participating in the rally with the most talented racers will definitely be a marvellous experience."
Harith Noah, Factory Racer, TVS Racing, said, "I am grateful for the trust my team has put in me. I am really excited and looking forward to the championship. Such experiences are a great chance to improve our capabilities and I am physically and mentally prepared for it."
Aishwarya, Factory Racer, TVS Racing, said, "I started my first ever international rally at Baja Aragon last year. The Baja Aragon provides a good training platform to the racers, as they get to compete with international talents. I am thankful to TVS Racing for providing this opportunity."