TVS Racing, the racing division of TVS Motor Company will become the first Indian automotive brand to participate in the legendary Dakar Rally, after an association with French motorcycle manufacturer Sherco for the event, was announced today.

Under the banner of Sherco TVS Rally Factory team, French riders Alain Dulcos and Fabien Planet will ride the two machines christened RTR 450F, developed and manufactured by Sherco Motorcycles along with TVS Racing specifically for the 2015 Dakar Rally.

Sherco is known for their extremely popular trial bikes, enduro and supermoto bikes.

Arvind Pangaonkar, Head of TVS Racing said, “We are building further on the success of TVS Racing. The bikes will have a better overall design with a new fairing and several additional upgrades that enhance the bike’s ride handling. Under this special racing arrangement, engineers from TVS Racing will be working alongside the team from Sherco and its racing affiliates (Mac Racing, Michelin, Selle Dalla Valle, Moto Master, Exact and F2r) at the 2015 Dakar.”

The 2015 Dakar is scheduled to be held between 3rd January 2015 and 17th January 2015 in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. “The Dakar Rally is the ultimate motorcycling challenge. Nothing is really tougher than racing for two weeks across these incredibly hostile environments. Learnings are bound to be huge. Through this arrangement, our engineers will get hands-on experience and deeper understanding of international racing programs and improve the competitiveness of TVS Racing. TVS Racing experience is the basis for developing high performance motorcycles for our customers.” he added.