Jeet Jhabakh Makes History as First Indian Champion in FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship
Historic Triumph for Indian Motorsport
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 3: Indian motorsport has celebrated a remarkable achievement as Jeet Jhabakh has been named the champion of the 2026 FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). This victory marks a significant milestone in his first international season. Alongside co-driver Musa Sherif, Jhabakh not only clinched the overall drivers' title but also made history by being the first competitor to win the overall championship in a two-wheel-drive vehicle in the event's 38-year history.
This accomplishment is a groundbreaking moment for Indian motorsport, with Jhabakh and Sherif becoming the first all-Indian duo to secure this prestigious continental title. Sherif also triumphed in the 2026 APRC Co-drivers' Championship, marking a historic season for the pair, as noted in a statement from the FIA.
Reflecting on their success, Jeet Jhabakh stated, “We maintained our speed at every rally and didn’t let any opportunity slip away, which is crucial for winning a championship. Despite facing challenges throughout the season, my co-driver Musa Sherif navigated every turn perfectly, and our engineers ensured the car performed well. I take pride in our achievements. This championship is just the beginning, not the end.”
Jhabakh's journey to the championship was characterized by impressive consistency and strong performances. He amassed 73 championship points, finishing 35 points ahead of his nearest rival, and scored points in every round without any retirements. His season highlights included a second-place finish in his category at the Otago Rally in New Zealand, a second overall at the South India Rally in Chennai, and a stunning first-place finish at the Rally of Indonesia (Danau Toba).
In addition to his main title, Jhabakh also won the 2026 FIA APRC4 Championship, showcasing his prowess in the two-wheel-drive category. He utilized a Ford Fiesta Rally4 for international events and a nationally approved Hyundai i20 N Line for the Indian rounds, both in a two-wheel-drive setup.
Jhabakh's path to continental success is supported by a distinguished background in circuit racing. He is a two-time Indian national racing champion, having won the Volkswagen Vento Cup in 2016 and the Volkswagen Ameo Cup in 2019, where he became the inaugural Ameo Class champion. His debut in the Vento Cup was remarkable, winning all 10 races, and his circuit racing career includes three consecutive Indian Touring Cars (ITC) team championships and over 50 career podiums, with international experience at prestigious tracks like Spa-Francorchamps, Catalunya, and the Circuits of the Americas.
After transitioning to rallying in 2024, Jhabakh quickly made his mark, finishing as runner-up in the INRC3 championship in his first season. He followed this with another runner-up finish in the INRC3T championship in 2025, paving the way for his breakthrough international season in 2026.
The victory in the 2026 FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship signifies more than just a personal achievement; it highlights India's increasing competitiveness on the global rallying scene and establishes Jhabakh and Sherif as a historic duo in the sport. With this continental championship secured in his debut international season, Jeet Jhabakh has made a significant impact on the global rallying landscape, shining a spotlight on Indian motorsport with a victory that will be remembered.