Indian Team Makes History with Podium Finish at WRC Saudi Arabia

Indian rally racing achieved a remarkable milestone as Hyderabad’s Naveen Puligilla and his co-driver Musa Sherif became the first all-Indian team to secure a podium finish in a World Rally Championship (WRC) event. Competing in the WRC3 category at the Saudi Arabia Rally 2025 held in Jeddah, the duo finished second in their class, marking a historic breakthrough for Indian motorsport on a global platform.

With provisional results confirming their success, Puligilla and Sherif completed the demanding rally in 4 hours, 28 minutes, 58.7 seconds, finishing 26th overall among 41 competing vehicles. Their Ford Fiesta Rally3, prepared by Africa Eco Sports based in Nairobi, Kenya, finished just 1 minute 14.2 seconds behind the next WRC3 competitor, securing a comfortable lead over other teams in their category. This achievement is particularly notable given the competitive field dominated by factory teams from Hyundai, Toyota, and M-Sport Ford.

This podium finish marks the first time an Indian driver and co-driver pair has claimed a podium spot in any WRC category. Unlike previous Indian competitors, such as Gaurav Gill, who partnered with foreign co-drivers, Puligilla and Sherif showcased exceptional teamwork throughout the rally. They navigated some of the most challenging terrains, including fast gravel roads, shifting sand dunes, and broken desert tracks across 17 intense special stages.

For Puligilla, this podium finish capped off an impressive season. The driver from Hyderabad demonstrated consistent growth, achieving a podium finish at the Tanzania Rally and winning a category at India’s National Rally Championship’s Robusta Rally in Kodagu. His composed and strategic driving style on the tough Saudi desert terrain highlighted his skill and controlled aggression.

Sherif, with over 33 years of rally experience, played a crucial role in the team’s success. His expert navigation and steady pace note calls guided the duo through the rapidly changing desert landscapes, allowing them to maintain speed and rhythm even when visibility and grip fluctuated.

“This podium means far more than just a trophy,” Puligilla stated. “It proves that Indian crews can compete at the highest level on the world stage. The Saudi rally was tough, but our focus on consistency and clean driving paid off. I am proud to hold the Indian flag and stand on a WRC podium, and it is a massive motivation to push even harder.”

Sherif echoed his teammate’s sentiments, emphasizing the challenge of the terrain: “The variety in the terrain, from hard gravel to loose sand, tested us like never before. Naveen’s calm behind the wheel and our synced pace notes made the difference. Bringing a WRC podium home for India is incredibly rewarding.”

This achievement not only highlights the potential of Indian rally teams but also serves as an inspiration for future participants in motorsport. The success of Puligilla and Sherif at the Saudi Arabia Rally 2025 sets a new benchmark for Indian drivers on the global racing stage.