Fiat
India's locally-built Punto Multijet 90 hp has set out
on a tough
expedition that aims to pay tribute to the true spirit
of the Himalayas, challenging
the hatchback over the difficult rocky terrains of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu
and Kashmir.In the cockpit of the Fiat India team-entered Punto during the
course of the Raid De Himalaya 2011 are Pavan
Choudhary (driver) and Captain Nitin Anand (navigator),
who are participating in the adventure which kick
started earlier today.
The crew bring experience
to the challenge ahead. Choudhary has previously
been the winner of Desert Storm 2009 - Xplore Edition
and Raid De Himalaya 2008 - Adventure Edition
while his navigator, Captain Anand, is a professional
rally co-driver who secured first position in the
Raid De Himalaya 2010 and third position in
Desert Storm 2011.
Speaking about this
expedition, Mr. Enrico Atanasio, Head of Commercial
Operations at Fiat India Automobiles Ltd. said, “Fiat’s
Punto 90 hp Multijet is known for its power, drive and
fuel efficiency. Our cars have a strong build and all
the essential features to enable a smooth drive across
most terrains. It would truly be a proud moment to see
the Fiat brand standing tall on one of the highest
altitudes of the country. We wish the team a great and
memorable journey.”
The journey started
from Shimla and the crews will reach Srinagar after covering a
route close to 2,000 kms split into six legs spread out over
10 days. The thirteenth edition of the rally is seeing
participation of 291 contestants.
The event is organised
by the Himalayan Motorsport Association and approved by
National Sports Federation recognised by the Government
of India. The Raid De Himalaya 2011 is being run
in compliance with the International Sporting Code of
the FIA, National Competition Rules (NCR) and General
Prescriptions of the FMSCI, these Supplementary
Regulations and bulletins issued by FMSCI.
Following a unique format
for
this year's edition, the X-treme and Adventure categories will
compete on their own treacherous paths initially, but
will then meet at Rangdum which is situated at 3,657
metres/11,998 feet above sea level and located in an
isolated region of the Suru valley in the Ladakh region.
They will then continue together via Penzi-La right all
the way to the
final stop at Srinagar.
