Bangalore: The 819-km MRF India Rally takes off on Friday with spotlight on Indian Champion Naren Kumar, who is facing stiff competition from overseas entrants.

The three-day major event comprises International and Indian Championship categories, organisers told reporters. Nine competitors are entered in the international category and 18 in the national category.

Naren Kumar, driving an MRF sponsored Group ‘N’ (production class) Mitsubishi, faces stiff opposition in the international category but he is no stranger to competition having faced first class opposition on the Asia Pacific Championship (APC) this year.

Among the participants is New Zealand's Stewart Warren. Two rallyists from China are competing in India for the first time, driving Group ‘N’ Subarus. Weizhi Huang finished seventh overall on the APC China Rally, and Lang Xu has a number of top three class finishes in a VW before moving up to the Sabaru this year.

Australians Ross Mackenzie and Warren Tuckett have the most powerful cars in the field. A further three Australians, and an Australian domiciled Scot, Gerard McGroarty drive Group ‘N’ Mitsubishis.

PTI