MARUTI SUZUKI RALLY DESERT STORM 2003 SETS THE ROADS ON FIRE

A Trailblazing Affair Spread Over Two Days

Jaipur, May 4, 2003: The Maruti Suzuki Rally Desert Storm 2003, the first ever rally of its kind, came to an end today in Amer, Jaipur after two excitement filled days of sun, sand and sweat.

The Maruti Suzuki Rally Desert Storm 2003 was flagged off from New Delhi on May 3 and covered a distance of 500km over two days. The first action packed day of the Rally brought it to Jaipur through Haryana and the interiors of Rajasthan villages like Ghaata and Pratapgarh over 334km of grueling tarmac and dirt stretches. The action on the second day was mostly in the Jaipur district - along 138km of riverbeds and treacherous sand sections around Samod and Chomp in the Jaipur district.

Meant exclusively for Maruti vehicle owners, the Maruti Suzuki Rally Desert Storm saw more than 30 professional participants from across the country vying for top honours at the event.

The winners of the rally were felicitated at a grand award ceremony at Amer this evening by the Honourable Deputy Minister of Tourism, Art & Culture of Rajasthan, Mrs. Vijaylaxmi Bishnoi.

Addressing a press conference on the occasion Mr. Ravi Bhatia, General Manager-Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, "The Maruti Suzuki Rally Desert Storm further underlines our commitment to promote motor sport in the country. From Go Karting and Autocross to Raid De Himalaya, and now the grueling Rally Desert Storm, Maruti's involvement covers the entire spectrum of motor sport in the country".

Mr. S P Mathur, General Manager (Retail)- North, Bharat Petroleum, co-sponsor of the event, in his message to the rally participants said, "Bharat Petroleum has always been looking forward to be associated with such sporting events, especially the challenging ones like Desert Storm, which bring out the spirit of adventure, skilful maneuvering and determination among the participants. Such events are a great learning experience."

The sponsors of Maruti Suzuki Rally Desert Storm 2003 are J.K.Tyre, BPCL, Speed, Uppal's Orchid, the Ecotel Hotel and K.K.Royal Days.