Malaysian rally: Takale-Sheriif duo finish first in round two

The Indian team competed with new-entry teams from Australia and New Zealand. The first 12-km stage,which started from Kilang Gula,saw the Indian team better last year’s champions,Jamaluddin Tukmin and Rosata Tukmin by 43 seconds. With two rounds out of four completed,the duo now lead by three points in the championship.

The team won four of the six rounds,finishing on the top for the first time. Takale said,“It was a close race and we will look to maintain our lead in the P9 category and improve our overall rankings. With the Pennzoil team doing so well,we will be participating in the APRC rally in New Zealand on July 15,which is a first for any team from India.” The duo had finished second in the first round of the Malaysian Rally Championship 2011 and APRC 2011 at Johar Bahru Province in April 2011,finished top in their category to remain leaders after two rounds of the rally with two more rounds to go in the Malaysian Rally Championship which will be held at Teranghanu in October. The final round will be at Phang in November.

Over 28 teams comprising drivers and navigators from the UK,Australia,China,Hong Kong,Indonesia,Japan,Malaysia,Thailand and New Zealand participated.