The 17th edition of Desert Storm, an FMSCI-approved rally, roared into the scorching sands on Wednesday.
Three-time APRC champion Gaurav Gill, Sandeep Sidhu, Lhakpa Tsering and Philippos Matthai led the four-wheeler brigade while Dakar Rally exponent C.S. Santosh, R. Nataraj, P.M. Aishwarya and Imran Pasha topped the two-wheeler charge, setting the stage for a battle royale.
The organisers, Northern Motorsports, have made a rare concession this year, scheduling the special stages early in the morning and late in the evening to counter the heat.
The four-day event, in the Rally-Raid format, will take the competitors deep into the Thar desert before culminating in Jaisalmer.
Ten Special Stages have been conceived for the Xtreme category and seven for the Moto category.
