Indian Rally Duo Shines in WRC3 Debut at Rally Islas Canarias
Successful Debut for Indian Rally Champions
Photo: IANS
Las Palmas, April 27: Indian rally champion Dean Mascarenhas, alongside co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah, marked a significant milestone by completing their first FIA World Rally Championship event. They secured 7th place in the WRC3 class during the 50th Rally Islas Canarias, which is recognized as one of the most challenging all-asphalt rallies in the WRC calendar.
Behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally3, meticulously prepared by PH Sport, the Indian team made a noteworthy entrance into the competition, utilizing this event as a vital learning opportunity on the fast and technical European tarmac stages. This rally was their first on the global stage with TSI Racing, following their triumph in the Indian National Rally Championship in 2025. Competing against more powerful vehicles in the Premier Classes, they finished 48th overall and 7th in their class.
Set in Gran Canaria, the rally comprised 18 special stages that posed a significant challenge for newcomers to WRC3. Despite facing brake issues on the first day, Mascarenhas and Karumbaiah adapted well throughout the remaining stages, gradually building their confidence and successfully completing the rally with a total time of 03h 41m 50.6sec over 301.3 competitive kilometers, which included a 10-minute penalty.
For Mascarenhas, the outcome was not solely about the timing. Each stage provided insights into car setup, stage management, tire usage, and pace-note execution, emphasizing the precision needed to compete in international Rally3 events on sealed surfaces. With no prior experience at this level, Karumbaiah effectively utilized pace notes training, demonstrating composure and playing a crucial role in achieving a clean finish while maximizing mileage. The support from PH Sport, with their extensive experience, was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition to this level of competition.
“This weekend has been quite challenging, with tricky conditions, including rain and varying grip levels that made it hard to find a rhythm on the first day. We managed to overcome brake issues and focused on regrouping and learning from every kilometer on Saturday. Each stage provided us with new lessons. Overall, it has been an incredible experience and a significant learning opportunity,” remarked Dean Mascarenhas.
“For Dean and Gagan, Rally Islas Canarias marks the beginning of their journey as they gear up for the season ahead. This demanding debut has provided exactly what the program aimed for: experience, insight, and a solid foundation for future WRC3 events,” stated Mohan Nagarajan, Chairman and Managing Director of Sidvin Energy Engineering.