9 months ago
Puligilla-Sherif First Indians on WRC3 Podium
Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif from Hyderabad, India, made history by becoming the first Indian pair to finish on the podium in a World Rally Championship event.
They competed in the WRC3 category at the Saudi Arabia Rally 2025 and finished second in their class.
Their Ford Fiesta Rally3 car was prepared by Africa Eco Sports in Nairobi, Kenya.
They completed the rally in just over 4 hours and 28 minutes, finishing 26th overall among 41 cars.
This achievement is significant because it shows that Indian drivers can compete at the highest level in international rally racing.
Puligilla and Sherif demonstrated excellent teamwork on challenging terrains, including fast gravel roads and shifting sand dunes.
This podium finish is the highlight of Puligilla's impressive season, which also includes a podium finish at the Tanzania Rally and a category win at India's National Rally Championship's Robusta Rally in Kodagu.
Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif became the first Indian pair to finish on the WRC3 podium at the Saudi Arabia Rally 2025.
They finished second in the WRC3 category, completing the rally in 4 hours, 28 minutes, and 58.7 seconds.
Their Ford Fiesta Rally3 car was prepared by Africa Eco Sports in Nairobi, Kenya.
They finished 26th overall among 41 cars, with a margin of 1 minute 14.2 seconds behind the next WRC3 competitor.
This achievement marks the first time an Indian driver and co-driver pair claimed a podium spot in any WRC category.
- Who
- Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif
- What
- First Indian pair to finish on WRC3 podium
- Where
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- When
- November 30, 2025
- Why
- Competed in the WRC3 category of the Saudi Arabia Rally 2025
Key facts
- Event
- Saudi Arabia Rally 2025
- Category
- WRC3
- Position
- 2nd in WRC3
- Overall Position
- 26th out of 41 cars
- Time
- 4 hours, 28 minutes, 58.7 seconds
- Car
- Ford Fiesta Rally3
- Team
- Africa Eco Sports, Nairobi, Kenya
- Margin Behind Leader
- 1 minute 14.2 seconds
Quotes
Naveen Puligilla
Indian rally driver and co-driver pair who achieved a historic podium finish in the WRC3 category at the Saudi Arabia Rally 2025.
“This podium means far more than just a trophy. It proves that Indian crews can compete at the highest level on the world stage.”
rediff.com
