Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif to Represent India in Historic WRC Debut in Saudi Arabia
Indian Rally Team Takes on the World
Indian rally driver Naveen Puligilla, alongside co-driver Musa Sherif, is gearing up to showcase India's rallying prowess at the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Saudi Arabia. This event marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the WRC is being held in the country, with the duo competing in the WRC3 class from November 25 to 29, according to a statement from the WRC Saudi Rally.
Historic Debut for Indian Motorsports
Naveen and Musa made history earlier this year by being the first all-Indian driver-co-driver team to participate in the WRC during the Kenya round in March. They are now preparing for their second appearance in the WRC3 category.
Meet the All-Indian Team
Naveen Puligilla, hailing from Hyderabad, has been making waves in the rally scene with impressive performances. He recently achieved a podium finish at the Tanzania Rally, which also celebrated co-driver Musa's 100th international event. Additionally, Naveen triumphed in the 3T category at the Robusta Rally, part of the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) held in Kodagu.
Musa Sherif, from Kasargod, brings a wealth of experience to the team. With a record of 343 rallies and 101 international competitions, he is entering his 17th rally of the 2025 season, including 14 international events over a distinguished 33-year career. His expertise and steady approach to pace notes will be crucial for navigating the challenging Saudi terrain.
Competition Overview
The pair will be driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3, prepared by Africa Eco Sports based in Nairobi, Kenya. With 41 teams competing, the challenge will be fierce, but Naveen and Musa are eager to make their presence felt on the international stage.
The WRC Saudi Rally 2025 will consist of 17 special stages, covering a competitive distance of 319 km and a total distance of 1,221 km.
A Landmark for Indian Motorsport
As the sole Indian team in the competition, Naveen and Musa will proudly wave the Indian flag. Naveen has been a consistent participant in the INRC for the past two years and made his international debut at the Asia Pacific Rally Championship in New Zealand in 2024.
With a reputation for precise driving, Naveen has formed a strong partnership with Musa, a ten-time National co-driver champion. While previous Indian rally legends like Gaurav Gill and Naren Kumar have competed in the WRC, they did so with international co-drivers. Naveen and Musa are thus the first all-Indian duo to compete together in the WRC.
A Moment of Pride
"This is a proud moment for us and for Indian rallying. Debuting in the WRC as a fully Indian driver-co-driver team is a dream come true, and we are committed to showcasing that India deserves a prominent place in the world of rallying," stated Naveen Puligilla, as reported by WRC Saudi Rally.
"We are preparing for a new and challenging terrain and aim to enhance our learning experience," added Musa Sherif.