* Gaurav Gill launched as new lead driver
* Tommi Makinen Racing OY Ltd. continues association

New Delhi, February 4, 2009 – Team Sidvin India – rechristened as TSI Racing announced the start of their second season at the World Rally Championship (WRC). Apart from a new look and feel, the team has also appointed Gaurav Gill as lead driver for the season.

TSI Racing – promoted by Sidvin Core-tech India created history last year by becoming the first Indian team at the WRC. The team had an intense learning experience in the last season by starting off well with a top 10 finish in Greece. As the year progressed, the car was constantly developed towards its full potential.

The new season will now see a restructured team after extensive testing on the car working towards a more consistent performance and better results. A big part of this process is the appointment of Gaurav Gill as lead driver for the team.

(L to R) Mohan Nagarajan, Gaurav Gill

Speaking on the occasion, Mohan Nagarajan, Chairman & Team Principal, TSI Racing said, “We tested Gaurav in October last year and everyone including Tommi Makinen was surprised at his level of adaptation and speed. Gaurav has been driving a different car and when we put him in the Subaru, he adapted in a matter of a few hours. Gaurav will receive inputs from Tommi himself and from Pasi Hagstorm, who is a triple Finnish National Rally Champion. We know that he is the best Rally Driver in the country today. He has been rallying only for the past two years and has already created history in 2008 by becoming the first Indian to win a round of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship in Indonesia with Team MRF. Gill has also been a multiple Formula racing champion and an Indian Rally National Champion. We have provided him with ample insight on the level of competition in the World Rally Championship and we are confident that he will bring laurels to the country.”

Gaurav Gill, lead driver, TSI Racing said “I am very happy to be given the responsibility of leading the TSI team at the World Rally Championship this year. I have trained very extensively for this and hope to win and make India proud.”