Jason Saldanha Shines at RAAT Rally of Thailand with Impressive Second Place Finish

Indian rally driver Jason Saldanha, with co-driver PVS Murthy, achieved a remarkable second place and victory in the RC 2.1 category at the RAAT Rally of Thailand. This performance not only highlights their skills but also positions them as frontrunners for the 2025 international rally season. Competing against more powerful vehicles, Saldanha's strategic driving and Murthy's expertise played a crucial role in their success. With this win, they lead the overall championship standings, showcasing their potential for future rallies. Discover more about their journey and the challenges they faced in this thrilling event.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 29, 2025, 02:06 IST

Outstanding Performance by Indian Rally Driver

In Lopburi, Thailand, on May 28, Indian rally driver Jason Saldanha, alongside his skilled co-driver PVS Murthy, delivered an exceptional performance during the second round of the RAAT Rally of Thailand. They secured a remarkable second overall position and triumphed in the RC 2.1 category, solidifying their reputation as leading contenders for the 2025 international rally season.

Jason made headlines in 2023 by becoming the first Indian to clinch a class title at the RAAT Rally of Thailand, and he has continued to rise in the ranks since then.

Driving a 1.4-litre turbocharged Suzuki Swift, a two-wheel-drive vehicle, Saldanha faced tough competition from more powerful four-wheel-drive cars. His strategic approach and relentless speed earned him a spot on the overall podium with a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 58 seconds. Phuen, the owner of Insight and Ally, praised Jason's determination: 'Despite driving a 2WD car, Jason aimed for the overall podium. He competed against stronger 4WD vehicles and showcased his undeniable talent.'

Reflecting on the challenging conditions, Jason noted, 'The roads were incredibly slippery due to the rain. It was one of the toughest events... A single mistake could have cost us everything.' Hailing from Sakleshpur, a small town in Karnataka, he demonstrated remarkable resilience.

PVS Murthy, with 25 years of rally experience, played a crucial role by providing accurate pace notes and consistent guidance, allowing Jason to navigate the stages safely while pushing the limits.

This impressive result places Jason at the top of the 2025 Overall Championship standings, leading by 10 points over Thailand's Mana Pornsiricherd, and he dominates the RC 2.1 class with 40 points, significantly ahead of the second-place driver with 15 points.

The rally, set in the picturesque Khok Samrong district of Lopburi, attracted 30 competitors from various countries, including Japan, China, Korea, India, and Thailand. The challenging terrain and unpredictable weather posed significant tests for the drivers in this high-stakes event. The third round of the RAAT Thailand Rally Championship is scheduled to take place in Sa Kaeo, Thesaban Mueang, from July 18 to July 20.