Talking 2018 Dakar Rally With CS Santosh

CS Santosh is among the household names in motorsports in India, and there is a good reason for that. You see, Mr. Santosh has successfully conquered the Indian motocross scene by winning Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya and Desert Storm multiple times. But, by far, his biggest achievement has been his participation in the world's toughest off-road motorsport event - the Dakar Rally.

He was the first Indian to enter this arduous challenge in 2015. In his first attempt, Santosh fought the sands for two weeks and finished on the 36th position. Since then, he has had one DNF in 2016 and a 47th position finish in 2017 with his new team - Hero Speedbrain. Now he is all geared up for 2018 on a brand new bike, and is currently running in the Oilibya Rally of Morocco. We got an opportunity to pick his brains on his preparation for the Dakar Rally and some insight on his new machine.

ZigWheels - The 2018 Edition will be your fourth Dakar Rally. Have there been any significant changes to your training process in the past years, and for 2018? Also, your first appearance in the Dakar in 2015 has been your best so far. What according to you went well that year and how do you plan on repeating it?

CS Santosh - The 2015 Dakar, I think, was one of the toughest Dakars in recent years if you look at how many finished. I think I was fortunate enough that it all came together for me.
Well, I have assessed my previous performances and changed up my entire training program for this year. I work with professionals to help with off bike training, nutrition and cognitive. It's a whole new approach to have a team of people to help me get ready for my next Dakar!

ZigWheels - This year you have a brand new bike. How has the testing been so far and what have been the key improvements? Also, are there any tradeoffs in the 2018 bike as compared to the 2017 bike?

CS Santosh - We are very pleased with our new bikes and the process of evolution has been fruitful so far. The bike has improved in all areas. For instance, in terms of handling, the fuel weight is more centralised now and even the centre of gravity has been lowered. Not only does it make my job safer, but more enjoyable as well.

ZigWheels - Will you be using the new bike for the Oilibya Rally of Morocco as well?

CS Santosh - We will be competing at the Oilibya Rally with our new bike

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ZigWheels - The 2017 Merzouga has been successful and you look in good form. What has been your key strength this season?

CS Santosh - Merzouga was my first race this year where I changed my training program and it's a good indicator that I'm working in the right direction. Enjoying my job and not worrying about results is one aspect of my better performances this year.

ZigWheels - Joaquim Rodrigues has also been doing really well. Have there been any key tips that he has passed onto you which have helped your riding?

CS Santosh - Joaquim is a professional through and through, having ridden for many factory teams over the years. I admire his attitude and how he handles success and failures, it's an immense source of inspiration for me.

ZigWheels - With just two more rallies before the Dakar, what areas will you focus on the most?

CS Santosh - With the Oilibya Rally, I look to put more kms on my new bike and further strengthen my navigation skills. Enjoying the experience of competing at this rally is my goal.

ZigWheels - How has having sponsors made your journey easier?

CS Santosh - I am fortunate to have Hero back my aspirations to race Rally bikes around the world and I also have personal sponsors and partners like Red Bull and Sidvin that help me as an athlete to be ready to go racing! There's so much work that goes on behind the scenes that competing at races is only one side of the coin and this is where my personal sponsors and partners play a huge role. Red Bull keeps pushing me, and keeps me going through the sport.

Zigwheels - Do you have any advice for youngsters?

CS Santosh - I think that everything is created twice, once in our minds and then in the physical world. It's important to have dreams and aspirations and with our thoughts and actions, we can realise them. This is what I have done since I can remember and it's no different for all the kids out there dreaming to leave an impression on this world.

With the new training schedule and the brand new rally bike, we are sure CS Santosh will shine in the 2018 Dakar. But, for now, we have our eyes set on the Oilibya 2017, where he secured the 23rd spot at the closing round of the FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship. ZigWheels wishes India's toughest off-road racer all the best for the 2017-2018 season.

Recommended Read: Hero Gears Up For Dakar 2018