Pragathi Gowda represented India at the FIA Rally Star Women’s final in Italy and finished as the runner up, with Peru’s Annia Cilloniz taking victory. While Gowda won’t be part of the FIA Rally Star Training Season, she has earned a reserve role requiring her to step in if Cilloniz is unable to compete at any point.
- Gowda won the Rally Star Asia-Pacific Women’s Final in Chennai
- Only Indian at the Women’s Final in Italy
“Winning or losing is secondary,” said Gowda. “The best thing is coming up with such a great program and to build young talent. That's something good for the future.” She was recently given a special award for her achievements at the FMSCI Annual Awards.
As winner of the Rally Star Asia-Pacific Women’s Final at the Madras International Circuit, Gowda progressed to the finale alongside Cilloniz, Maja Hallen Fellenius (Sweden) and Kristie Ellis (South Africa). The finals, held at the Maggiora Offroad Arena in Italy, saw them compete for a place in the FIA Rally Star Training Season starting later this month.
The four finalists were put through their paces in the TN5 Cross Car, built and prepared by Hyundai World Rally Championship (WRC) driver Thierry Neuville’s LifeLive organisation. The jury, led by FIA Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid, then evaluated their stage performance, along with the results of physical and reflex tests.
As winner of the Rally Star Women's Final, Cilloniz will now be part of the FIA’s intensive training camp in Sardinia from May 21 to June 1. She’ll join previous continental final winners – Jose “Abito” Caparo (Peru), Max Smart (South Africa), Taylor Gill (Australia), Romet Jürgenson (Estonia) and Abdullah Al Tawqi (Oman).
All six drivers will also compete in six rallies in a Ford Fiesta Rally3 run by M-Sport Poland. The top four best-performing drivers at the end of the FIA Rally Star Training Season will then earn a drive in the 2024 FIA Junior WRC Championship.
Also see:
Geoffrey Emmanuel first Indian to compete in FIM JuniorGP
Ruhaan Alva scores maiden GB4 podium at Silverstone