Goan rally driver and former INRC champion Vaibhav Marathe is all pumped up as he hunts for glory while representing India at the Sumatera Utara Rally—the third round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC).
The serene lakeside town of Parapat, North Sumatra, has transformed into a high-adrenaline motorsport battleground this weekend, as the internationally acclaimed rally weekend kicks off – 8th to 10th August 2025, promising a gruelling test of driving skill and endurance. The Rally is also a key qualifier for the prestigious APRC Final in Japan later this year.
The rally has drawn an elite line-up of world-class drivers. Moreover, the Indian contingent is attracting attention as three-time Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) winner Vaibhav Marathe, rally legend Gaurav Gill, and rising talent Nikita from Pune, fly the Tricolor. Their participation marks a significant milestone for India in global rallying circles.
Grand Opening in Stormy Conditions
In true rallying spirit, the grand opening ceremony took place amidst persistent tropical showers, with spectators braving the weather to witness the ceremonial flag-off. The official rally stages will cover 200.14 km of challenging special stages, with the heavy downpour turning the gravel tracks into treacherous, slippery stretches—raising the stakes for both skill and safety.
Vaibhav Marathe – The Relentless Champion of Indian Rallying
Hailing from Goa, Vaibhav Marathe has earned his reputation as one of India’s most fearless and consistent rally drivers. A three-time INRC Champion, Marathe is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, ability to adapt to different terrains, and mental toughness under extreme conditions.
Over the years, Marathe has competed against the best in India and abroad, consistently bringing home podium finishes. His journey from domestic rallies to representing India on the APRC stage is a testament to his dedication and grit. Now, facing a grid of highly rated international and Indonesian champions, Marathe is determined to prove that Indian rally drivers belong among the world’s elite.
His partnership with seasoned co-driver Ashvin Naik adds to his competitive edge—Naik’s precision in pace notes and tactical calls has been pivotal in Vaibhav’s past victories. The Sumatera Utara Rally will be another chapter in their story of speed, skill, and synergy.
Vamsi Merla – The Driving Force Behind Indian Rallying Dreams
No discussion about India’s growing presence in global rallying is complete without mentioning Vamsi Merla, fondly known in motorsport circles as the “Don of Motorsport Sponsorship”. Over the past decade, Merla has emerged as one of the most visionary, passionate, and generous patrons of Indian rallying.
From importing world-class, top-tier rally cars from overseas to funding complete driver programs, Vamsi has invested multi-crore rupees to ensure that Indian drivers get access to the same machinery, technology, and technical expertise as their international competitors.
His support has not been limited to a select few—Merla has extended sponsorship and opportunities to drivers from across various Indian states, nurturing young talent and giving them a platform to shine at national and international levels. His unwavering commitment has helped transform rallying from a niche sport in India into a more visible and aspirational pursuit.
For this year’s Sumatera Utara Rally, Vamsi has once again stepped up, sponsoring Gaurav Gill, Vaibhav Marathe, and Nikita, along with other promising names like Bopaiah and Avin Roy. Backed by Lokesh Gowda of Bengaluru and JK Tyres, Merla has also flown in specialised technical crews to fine-tune each driver’s car for maximum performance.
