The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : Disappointment for Naren

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Monday, Sep 01, 2008
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Sport - Racing : Motor

Disappointment for Naren

KOCHI: V.R. Naren Kumar’s campaign in the Rally of New Zealand ended on a disappointing note on Sunday after his car’s gearbox broke.

The Team Sidvin India driver, who was in the ninth spot after the penultimate day’s leg in the Production Cars World Championship category on Saturday, was slowly improving his position when luck deserted him and problems with the rear differential and gearbox showed up.

Naren was forced to retire after the 15th stage in the 18-stage event.

“I was doing so well till this happened. I was running eighth when the gearbox broke.

“It is a very sad day for me,” said the Coimbatore ace who was driving a Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

“I was confident of finishing in the points this time.”

Team Sidvin India chief, Mohan Nagarajan, said the WRX STi being a new car, a few problems were expected to emerge.

“We are sure we will be able to solve these issues very quickly.

“We are looking forward to the Japan round where we will be introducing various developments we have made on the car,” said Nagarajan.

Loeb wins

Meanwhile, Frenchman Sebastien Loeb edged closer to a fifth consecutive title after winning the Rally of New Zealand on Sunday.

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