At what age did you realise that you wanted to race professionally? Could you take us through your journey?

I think it all started when I was in 11th grade, but because of my height everyone laughed at me and never took me seriously. It was like racing was never meant for short people. My journey started back in 2010 when the Bajaj Pulsar 180 had just launched and a couple of my friends owned it. They used to go racing illegally, but I loved watching them race. This made me want to learn to ride professionally. However, no one would let me ride their motorcycles as I was short and back then, women barely rode motorcycles. At the time, motorsports  in India was known to be a man's game. I was able to convince my parent's to buy me a motorcycle and eventually booked a Yamaha R15. To my bad luck, I met with an accident before my bike arrived and my parents cancelled the booking of my YamahaR15 and booked a Honda Dio scooter instead. I was so heartbroken that I did not ride my new scooter for a week after it arrived. I was struggling to collect my pocket money to buy a bike back then and used to be so stressed about it. Today, I own more than five motorcycles.

My journey has been tough as I am a woman trying to compete in what was traditionally a male dominated sport. I have hopped from team to team and tried my luck, but when you’re a woman trying to grow in a male dominated sport, you get to hear all sorts of things that send chills down your spine. I came to a point where I was going to quit racing and give up. But my mother kept reminding me that ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ and that kept me going. I was placed 2nd among 47 male racers in 2017 in Bangalore for the India Speed Week National Championship, and in the Valley Run races in 2019, I was placed 3rd among 45 male racers. I am now looking forward to my next race at the MMRT track in Chennai.

Of all the different types of motorsports, what made you choose drag racing?

Drag racing has a different kind of adrenaline rush. When the gushing wind touches my skin, I feel powerful. The faster I go, the more powerful I feel. It’s a general misconception that drag racing happens only on an empty strip of road where all you are supposed to do is race straight and just tap through all the gears. It sounds very easy, right, but trust me it's way more intense than any other type of motorsports. Firstly, it’s very important to have a technician who understands the engine well. Then you need someone who can source parts from across the globe to make the bike go as fast as possible. The rider needs a lot of practice and riding a drag bike is not a joke. Imagine riding a motorcycle on thin race tyres at a top speed of 170 kmph. If your launch is not perfect, you lose precious micro seconds and if your shifting is not precise, your clocked time suffers.

 Racing predominantly is gender biased and there are many misconceptions  about female drivers. What are your thoughts on this, based on your experience in racing so far?

Motorsports is mainly known as male dominated sport, but it definitely depends on the upbringing you’ve had. There are many male racers and colleagues who actually support me and want to see me grow in this field. Many women including me suffer during races as some of the male riders never want to be beaten by a woman on the track. I face a lot of sarcasm and other racers think it’s a joke when I pull up to race against them. I have had people tell me "Tere mom dad kuch boltey nahi hai kya?". Also, "Humari ghar ki ladkiyaya bahu log kabhi race karti to hamare baap dada kaat ke rakh dete". You can imagine how sentences like these can demotivate you and bring you down.

 Being a racer, how do you take care of tyres?

Tyres are the most important part for us racers and I literally take care of my tyres by using different products. I sometimes end up changing my tyres after every race because I want the traction to be at the top level. Motul being my official sponsor, I use their tyre repair kit which is really good and it helps me a lot. Also, during the time after the race and the time before the next race, I just don't let my bike stand – I use it at times so that the tyre health is good.

 Has there been any instance where you felt a set of tyres was just not right or worked really well for racing?

Definitely, there have been instances where I should have used a set of tyres but ended up using another and it completely ruined my race. Tyres play a vital role and are very important during a race. I used to use normal road tyres for my races but always landed up with the rear wheel spinning out, which ruined my race and affected my race timing. Then I started using Vee rubber tyres which gave me amazing traction and helped me achieve high speeds without any hiccup – and "boom" I won. That’s how important tyres are in a race. You can have your motorcycle set up perfectly, but if the tyres aren’t right, it could cost you the race.

Apart from racing, what do you do and what is the future plan?

I am currently working for Cathay Pacific Airways in the Regional Team. A fact that most people don't know about me is that I am an animal rescuer and have many rescued animals living with me. I have planned to complete my diploma in veterinary science or medicine while continuing to race in my free time. I am also planning to race in Thailand hopefully next year.

What do you tell to women who want to try their career into racing?

For all the women out there, if you love bikes and love speed, do not think twice – Just go for it. Life does not give you many opportunities, so make the fullest of whatever you think is best for you. People will always try and bring you down because your growth is going to hurt them, but you need to follow your dreams. Being scared is no option; it's either your way or the highway!

Make it happen, girls!!! (TT)

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India will once again be represented at the world's most formidable rally raid as veteran racer Sanjay Takale prepares for his second attempt at the Dakar Rally in 2026. This event, renowned as the ultimate endurance challenge, will see Takale draw upon his disciplined approach and decades of international racing expertise across both motorcycles and cars. His participation underscores a continued, though rare, Indian presence on this global motorsport stage.

Takale’s previous campaign was historically successful, culminating in an 18th-place overall finish. Framing his upcoming effort as an evolved chapter, he is focusing on intensified preparation and strategic refinement. This return is fuelled by over 35 years of accumulated track insight and a sharpened competitive perspective.

In addition to his driving career, Takale’s role as Director of aerpace Industries allows him to champion broader national ambitions in engineering and mobility. He consistently frames motorsport as a dynamic proving ground for core industrial principles like precision, systemic endurance and meticulous execution.

Ultimately, Takale's journey back to the Dakar starting line symbolises India's growing footprint in international motorsport. It is a narrative built not on fleeting speed but on profound experience, resilience and a dedicated pursuit of excellence under the world's most extreme racing conditions.

Takle said, “My first Dakar was an extraordinary experience. Dakar changes you once you race it; you are never the same. It challenges you mentally, breaks you down and teaches you resilience, discipline and the true meaning of fighting back. I emerged not just as a stronger driver but as a different person altogether. This year, my focus is clear to return, finish the rally again and significantly improve my position. I will once again be competing for my team, aerpace Racers, with technical support from Compagne Sharenne, France. I am proud to represent India as the only four-wheeler entry for the second consecutive year. My goal is simple: to see the finish line and to finish stronger.”

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Hankook Tire has been honoured with a Ministerial Commendation by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources of Korea. The honour was conferred at the 2025 Outstanding Overseas Investment Contributors Awards, an event hosted at the Korean Cultural Center in Budapest, Hungary, designed to recognise firms that enhance national competitiveness through global investment. During the ceremony, the company's leadership detailed its achievements to an audience of diplomatic officials and fellow Korean businesses operating in the region.

The award celebrated Hankook Tire's excellence across four critical areas. Economically, its strategic manufacturing base in Rácalmás, Hungary, established in 2008, has become a significant contributor to the Korean economy through consistent profit repatriation. The company has also acted as a catalyst for other Korean enterprises, enabling market entry for supply chain partners while securing its own strategic alliances within Europe, thereby strengthening the collective agility and global standing of Korean industry.

Beyond commerce, the company's deep local social commitment was highly recognised. The Hungarian plant is a cornerstone of the regional economy, having multiplied its local workforce to approximately 3,000 employees and maintaining this stability even through periods of global economic uncertainty. This commitment extends through extensive community outreach, including the long-term donation of tyres to enhance public and private mobility safety, alongside targeted investments in local infrastructure, social welfare and youth scholarships.

Furthermore, Hankook Tire serves as a central pillar for the Korean business community in Hungary. By holding leadership roles in major business associations, the company facilitates essential dialogue and practical cooperation, helping to resolve common challenges and support the sustainable operation of Korean enterprises in the market. Through this powerful combination of economic performance, social integration and community leadership, Hankook Tire exemplifies the impactful role of responsible overseas investment in fostering mutual growth and strengthening international ties.

Ho Taek Lim, Managing Director of Hankook Tire Hungary plant, said, “As a representative company with deep roots in Hungary, Hankook Tire is committed to fostering unity within the Korean community and supporting the successful establishment of Korean companies entering the market. Through close collaboration with local institutions, we will continue enhancing the competitiveness of Korean companies in Europe while advancing Korea’s national interests.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced the Vredestein Comtrac 2+, a new summer tyre engineered for light commercial vehicles. Set for a European launch in January 2026, this premium model will be available in 21 sizes for rims from 15 to 17 inches, including extra-load variants for heavier demands. It builds upon its predecessor with significant advancements in durability, efficiency and overall performance, aiming to lower the total cost of ownership for fleet operators.

A key innovation is a fourth-generation polymer compound, which boosts abrasion resistance by 13 percent. This advancement extends tread life, reduces replacement frequency and minimises the release of microplastics from wear. The tyre’s construction includes a reinforced bead area and a robust carcass for enhanced stability and reliability under heavy loads, improving vehicle uptime. Safety in wet weather is addressed through a specialised silica filler and an efficient tread pattern designed to prevent aquaplaning by rapidly dispersing water.

Furthermore, the Comtrac 2+ achieves a seven percent reduction in rolling resistance, improving fuel economy for conventional vehicles and helping to extend the driving range of electric and hybrid vans. Every aspect of the tyre is crafted for maximum longevity and cost efficiency, supporting business operations with fewer interruptions. The product also meets the stringent requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation, aligning with contemporary environmental and sustainability standards.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial EMEA, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “With the Comtrac 2+, we set out to address the changing demands of today’s light commercial vehicle operators, whether independent trade professionals or major fleet managers. Our R&D Team has engineered the tyre to deliver longer tread life, lower rolling resistance and a safer, more comfortable ride that drives greater efficiency – all at an accessible price point.”

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MRF Tyres has once again proven its motorsport pedigree by securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Team Title. The official accolade was presented at the season-ending FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent, where Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Arun Mammen collected the trophy. This gala represents the pinnacle of the international motorsport calendar, formally recognising champions from across the discipline.

This victory marks the team’s third ERC crown, following previous successes in 2022 and 2023. It was earned through a campaign defined by remarkable consistency and adaptability across diverse rally stages. Strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination between the team’s personnel, engineers and driving crews were fundamental to this achievement, highlighting the programme’s overall strength and the reliability of its products.

The company has extended its appreciation to every individual who contributed to this result. The recognition at such a distinguished forum reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence and cements its position as a leading force on the global rally stage.

Mammen said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come.”

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