Former national rally champion Amittrajit Ghosh will compete in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) this year. The driver from Kolkata will become the first Indian to take part in the continental championship when he hits the stages in the third round of the ERC -- the EKO Acropolis Rally in Lamia, Greece, from June 1 to 3.
Ghosh will take part in the ERC 3 category of the championship alongside long time co-driver Ashwin Naik. He will be selective this year, taking part in just a handful of rounds, with the intention of gaining experience at this level of rallying.
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“It is a proud moment for us to become the first Indian driver, co-driver and team to be competing in the ERC, second only to the World Rally Championship,” said Ghosh, who also takes part in the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), driving for Team Mahindra Adventure.
“Our aim will be to gather valuable miles and experience through this year, in preparation for an all-out assault in the next, added Ghosh, who will drive a Ford Fiesta R2 car in the ERC 3 category.
{{/usCountry}}“Our aim will be to gather valuable miles and experience through this year, in preparation for an all-out assault in the next, added Ghosh, who will drive a Ford Fiesta R2 car in the ERC 3 category.
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In preparation for the demanding ERC, Ghosh will take part in Rally Talsi 2018, a round of the Latvian Rally Championship, later this week. “I am treating Rally Talsi as a test event to get used to the car. Like they say, there is no better practice than match practice,” he said.
Ghosh has won the Indian National Rally Championship twice (2012 and 2013)m and the Indian National Racing Championship once (2005), besides winning the MRF Racing Challenge and the Indian National Rally Championship in the 1400cc category.