Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team announced Aravind KP as its fourth rider for Dakar 2019 on Monday. The initial line-up was announced in October with the Indian rider provisionally added to the list subject to him clearing a fitness test.
The team also includes the experienced Metge brothers Michael and Adrien from France and Enduro Champion Lorenzo Santolino from Spain.
Aravind, who suffered injuries after crashing in the Pan Africa rally, underwent a surgery last month and has recovered completely to gain the confidence of the factory team.
For Aravind, this will be his third Dakar outing and will be riding the Dakar-spec RTR 450 Rally motorcycle.
Aravind said: “Dakar is the ultimate challenge for any racer and I am glad to be a part of it for the third consecutive time. I thank TVS Racing and Sherco for believing in me and giving me another opportunity to fulfil my dream of finishing the rally. The past 10 months has been a journey of ups and downs but I have focused on my fitness and recovery to ensure I am ready for Dakar.
"The next one month will be crucial to my preparation and I will be going to Morocco to train with my team mates. Both Michael and Adrien have been extremely supportive during my recovery time and have kept me motivated along with my TVS Racing family. Conquering Dakar 2019, is my single focused goal for now and I am determined more than ever to finish the Rally.”
Team Manager B. Selvaraj expressed confidence in the ability of the racer. “I am happy that Aravind KP is returning to Dakar with full energy and vigour. We are very confident given his experience in the international racing arena and Dakar in particular, he will be able to perform well.
The team has worked hard on the race strategy and is focused on maintaining consistency all through the race. We are competing with four best riders in the team and are very confident of a top 10 finish.”
The Dakar 2019, the 41st edition of the Rally, will be held in Peru from January 6 to 17.
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