Pissay set to become first Indian woman in Baja Aragon

The event will mark Pissay’s first international appearance, with all of her previous racing and rallying outings limited to India.

The 22-year took part in several rallies last year, most notably the two-wheel National Rally Championship and the Raid de Himalaya. She also has experience of circuit racing, having won the National Ladies motorcycle championship with a round to spare last year.

"This will be my first international Rally and I am overwhelmed as well as grateful to TVS Racing for giving me this opportunity,” Pissay said.

“The Baja Aragon is a good training ground for any racer who has their sights set on the Dakar, as it tests their mettle among international talent.

“I am excited to race alongside experienced International Champions from the Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team.

“The prospect of finally experiencing the RTR 450 is daunting but I look forward to packing time on the motorcycle and perfecting my technique."

Pissay effectively replaces Aravind KP in Sherco TVS’ line-up, the 30-year-old still recovering from injuries sustained in Dakar.

She will be joined by French brothers Adrien Metge and Michael Metge and Spain’s Lorenzo Santolino, who also competed in Desert Storm in India earlier this year.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the 35th edition of Baja Aragon and Aishwarya's participation makes it special, as she will be the first Indian woman to participate in a Baja World Rally,” TVS Racing, Team Manager, B. Selvaraj said.

“What makes this even more exciting is that this is a new team that we are fielding for the Rally and it will be interesting to see how the dynamics play out.

“Our technical team is also working around the clock on the performance of the bikes and I wish the team the very best for the Rally."

Pissay will ride Sherco TVS’ Dakar-spec RTR 450 in Baja Aragon, which runs from July 20-22.