Pune, Dec 08: Karamjit Singh won the MRF India Rally yesterday after a faultless drive over the demanding stage to the west of Pune in his Group A Proton, but his victory was one point short of the score he needed to retain his FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship crown.
Kremer led the India rally at the end of the first leg, after Karamjit Singh had lost time with a puncture. That leg victor scored him three superrally points, while Singh took only two and ensured his championship win.
Karamjit Singh won the next two legs extending his winning margin to 2 minutes 22 seconds, but having dropped the early super rally point, his only chance of taking the championship was, if Kremer lost second place or failed to take second on the last two legs.
"I am happy to win in India- the country is very special to me", Singh said and added it was frustrating to lose the championship by one point.
Nico Caldarola, runner-up in last year’s championship took well deserved third place after a season which has been marred by mechanical problems.


Bureau Report