Pragathi Gowda returns from World finals stronger: FIA Rally Star Cup

Pragiarolo (Italy), 5 May 2023: Pragathi Gowda, the Indian rally talent, achieved amazing results in a new vehicle, the Rally Cross Car, which is not available for practice in India. Nevertheless, the Bengaluru lass surprised the motorsports aficionados in India last year by winning the Continental competition for women and booked a seat in the World Finals.

Pragathi Gowda went down fighting on a TN5 Cross Car, after giving a tough fight to the other three woman finalists, at the finals at the Maggiora Offroad Arena here on Thursday (May 4). Pragathi was not used to these cars and entered one for the first time in the trials at Chennai. However, she went early to Italy to train and acclimatise for few days. The finals which were supposed to be held in Peru were postponed twice.

The Rally Star Cup (RSC), (not to be confused with the Rally Star Cup, a class which used to be held in the Indian National Rally Championship) is new initiative launched by FIA, the Federation that governs Motorsports around the globe, for rally drivers aged between 17 and 26 years to provide them a road to World Rally Championship. Aspiring talented drivers for different continents come through a ladder and are given a chance to fast-track their entry into the Junior WRC as FIA provides free training before selecting the final winners.

India’s Pragathi Gowda who was took a stunning victory in the Asia Pacific continental selection trials at Chennai’s Madras International Circuit defeating Australian driver, played her heart out and displayed a strong run to reach the finals. After giving a tough fight to the three other finalists Gowda bowed out with dignity and came back stronger. “It was a great learning experience. Winning or losing is secondary. The Rally Star Cup provided me a chance to give my best. The best thing is coming up with such a great programme and to build young talent. That’s something good for the future. And I really enjoyed it.”

It was Peruvian driver Annia Cilloniz, 24, who finally won a place for the training. The other finalists along with Paragathi Gowda are Maja Hallén Fellenius (Sweden) and, Kristie Ellis (South Africa)., to compete for the inagural title and a place in the FIA Rally Star Training Season starting later this month.

On a TN5 Cross Car, built and prepared by Hyundai WRC driver Thierry Neuville’s LifeLive organisation, the drivers took on a 4.7-kilometre mixed-surface stage, which consisted of five laps and run three times.

The stage performances, along with the results of physical and reflex tests, were carefully evaluated by the Jury, led by FIA Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid. Following a Jury interview, Annia Cilloniz, 24, was announced as the winner of the FIA Rally Star Women’s Final. Pragathi Gowda, is said to be the reserve driver, in case the Peruvian is unable to attend.

As well as winning the coveted accolade, Cilloniz secures a place in the FIA Rally Star Training Season, which consists of an intensive Training Camp in Sardinia from May 21 to June 1, followed by six rallies in a Ford Fiesta Rally3 run by M-Sport Poland on Pirelli tyres.

The competition schedule begins with the gravel-based Rally San Marino from June 16 to 17 and if Cilloniz completes the FIA Rally Star Training Season as one of the four best performing drivers, then she will win a dream drive in the 2024 FIA Junior WRC Championship, a further life-changing opportunity.

Other male continental winners Jose “Abito” Caparo (Peru), Max Smart (South Africa), Taylor Gill (Australia), Romet Jurgenson (Estonia) and Abdullah Al Tawqi (Oman) already made it to the FIA Rally Star Training. The first training session begins in Sardinia from May 24.

All the six finalists will then each contest six rallies in a Ford Fiesta Rally3 run by M-Sport Poland with the best four performers earning a fully-funded drive in the 2024 FIA Junior WRC. The competition schedule begins with the gravel-based Rally San Marino on June 16 and 17. Later in 2025, the top three then will get a chance for a second Junior WRC season and if one of the FIA Rally Star Team members wins the title, they will secure a WRC2 campaign for 2026.

RevvHard are dynamic youngsters who are trying to accelerate the growth of Indian Motorsports using social media as a weapon to come up to speed. Here’s what they said on Instagram about Pragathi Gowda.

“Pragathi Gowda’s impressive 2nd place finish in the FIA Rally Star competition is a truly inspiring achievement, especially considering the fact that she is a woman in a male-dominated sport. Her success serves as a powerful message of empowerment and motivation for other women who are interested in pursuing careers in motorsports.

Pragathi’s accomplishment is a huge boost for the promotion of motorsports in India, as it helps to break down barriers and promote diversity in the sport. It showcases that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their gender.

Overall, Pragathi Gowda’s achievement in the FIA Rally Star competition is a great source of inspiration and encouragement for all women who aspire to make their mark in the world of motorsports.” RevvHard on Insta!