Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

The 16th edition of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm is spread across 11 stages.

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 commences at Noida. Desert Storm, powered by ExxonMobil, is India's biggest rally event, which spans a range of almost 2500 kilometres.

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

Desert Storm is spread across 11 stages. A good majority of the route passes through the scorching deserts of Thar. The final leg of the 2018 Desert Storm ends at the Golden City of Jaisalmer.

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

The motorcycle segment was led by the first Indian to complete Dakar Rally, CS Santosh. CS Santosh rides a Hero 450 RR.

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

The four-wheeler segment saw its start with Desert Storm 2017 winner, Suresh Rana's off-road Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. The flag off was conducted in the parking lot of the Great India Place mall in Noida.

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

There were a variety of cars, SUVs, motorcycles and even ATVs, ready to set off. In total, there were 140 entrants in2018. A few of them were foreigners too.

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

People were also seen fixing their machines at the very last minute. A slight change in the setup makes a huge difference in the rally. Due to the harsh weather and terrain conditions, the contestants might face issues with their vehicles. At that point, there would be nobody to assist them but only themselves.

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 also saw some interesting entries. While some contestants had previous experiences in Desert Storm, some were trying it out for the first time. There were friends, couples, father and son, and even women teams. Maruti Suzuki and ExxonMobil officials led everyone to a brilliant start.

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

Motorsport enthusiasts from around the country gathered at the venue to see the contestants fly off to the next stage. All the contestants left the venue by 5pm.

Thoughts On Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Flag Off

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 Powered By ExxonMobil — India’s Ultimate Rally Commences

In the next five days, motorsport enthusiasts from across the country will look forward to some serious desert action. The rally will be having its first three stages in the regions of Bikaner. Stay tuned for more updates from the 2018 Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, powered by ExxonMobil.

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Article Published On: Monday, March 19, 2018, 7:00 [IST]
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