Baja India winner to get Merzouga Rally entry, Dakar shot

The popularity of cross-country rallying is at an all-time high in India, with CS Santosh and Aravind KP making it to Dakar, widely regarded as the toughest rally raid in the world.

There has also been interest from Indian manufacturers, with Hero MotoCorp and TVS Racing teaming up with Speedbrain and Sherco respectively to launch themselves into the international cross-country scene.

In order to continue the momentum, a new initiative has been launched under which the winner of Baja India, set to take place in Rajasthan between April 7-9, will be given a chance to take part in the Merzouga Rally in Morocco, where his performance will be assessed for a further entry into Dakar.

"With the Merzouga being a stepping stone for the Dakar, the goal for the Indian competitor will be to get as much experience as possible," Xavier Gavory, head of Competitors Relation at ASO, told Motorsport.com.

"He will learn from [Dakar sporting director] Marc Coma during the daily theoretical courses, spend time preparing his road book, get experience riding a cross-country 450cc and get in touch with other experienced competitors."

"The Dakar Challenge concerns both the Merzouga and Dakar! It means that the winner will get both registrations."

The initiative is in line with Merzouga Challenges hosted by the Bassella Race in Spain and the Enduropale du Touquet in France.

The aim is to create a junior ladder for up-and-coming rallyist, creating a seamless path to Dakar.