Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team formed for 2015 Dakar rally

TVS Racing announced the formation of the Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team as part of the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer’s decision to sponsor the French company in the 2015 Dakar cross-country rally.

The head of TVS Racing Arvind Pangaonkar and marketing head Arun Siddharth revealed the tie-up in Bangalore today as well as the pair of French riders who will pilot the 450cc engine, 450 RTR; Alain Duclos and former Enduro riding champion Fabien Planet.

Pangaonkar stated that the intention of the partnership of TVS Racing and Sherco was to increase the technical capabilities of the Indian bike manufacturer who has been involved in motorsport since 1984.

Two engineers – Arvind Hariharan and Selvaraj – will accompany Pangaonkar at the Dakar rally that starts on January 3 and runs till January 17 through Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.

However, conspicuous with his absence was Bangalore cross country rally rider (as well as former multiple national motocross and supercross champion) C S Santosh; who has enjoyed tremendous success with TVS Racing, although is not legally contracted with the outfit anymore.

When asked why Santosh was not included in the team as a means to help an Indian rider broaden his experience and eventually pass on the knowledge to others; Pangaonkar stated that the company’s current relationship with him was one of “technical convenience”.

“Let us just be happy that there is an Indian team and an Indian rider at the Dakar,” said Pangaonkar. “Santosh is without a doubt the best cross-country rider in India right now, with his own efforts on the international stage, Santosh wanted to make himself really special and he is well on the way.”