Team MRF looks to set The pace

Exotic is the word that comes to mind describing everything about this tropical paradise island on the Pacific, to the east of Australia. Be it the fluorescent blue ocean, the snow white beaches, the lush green forests, the delectable French cuisine, the range of fruits, cheese, wines…the list seems endless.

Exotic is the word that comes to mind describing everything about this tropical paradise island on the Pacific, to the east of Australia. Be it the fluorescent blue ocean, the snow white beaches, the lush green forests, the delectable French cuisine, the range of fruits, cheese, wines…the list seems endless.

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What puts New Caledonia on India's radar is the Asia Pacific Rally Championships (APRC) which flags off its third leg here on Saturday featuring Team MRF.

Logistical problems had forced MRF to skip the last two editions of this event here. But from this year, with all the six stages made compulsory, the entire APRC caravan is here waking the serene locale up from its slumber with the sound of throttle.

“I have been here in 2007 but crashed very early,” said India's Gaurav Gill of Team MRF, who leads the drivers' overall standings. “It's going to be tricky if it rains. The course is already a touch treacherous even when it's dry. I am thinking about survival here.”