Considered one of the toughest rallies anywhere in the world owing to the tough terrain and high altitude it spans, the annual Raid de Himalaya will commence its 2016 edition on October 8th and will conclude on October 15. This year, ExxonMobil have reaffirmed their partnership with MSIL. ExxonMobil’s premium lubricant brand Mobil 1 is the official lubricant partner for this rally – after having supported the Desert Storm and Dakshin Dare rallies earlier this year.
The 18th edition of Raid de Himalaya will commences from the rugged terrain and icy chill of Manali, the same place where it’ll conclude after completing the circuit. The rally would wind its way through approximately 3,000 km of rocky, serpentine roads. Participants may have to face temperatures as low as -100 degree Cecius! At some points, cars negotiate sharp bends at altitudes touching 6,000 metres above sea level. It is for good reason therefore that Raid de Himalaya is rated amongst the top 10 toughest rallies in the world and given its international standards, sees participation from the world over.
Raid’s gruelling conditions are known to test the endurance of both man and machine as teams steer through some of the world’s highest and toughest motorable roads passing through Manali, Kaza, Sarchu, and Leh in Himachal Pradesh. Mobil 1 will be offering its hi-performance synthetic line of lubes to ensure that the participating cars perform to the hilt even in the mostr extreme conditions without a hiccup.
On the partnership, Mr Rupinder Paintal, General Manager, OEM Business, ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt. Ltd, said, “Over the decades, Mobil has been committed to performance and leadership in technology. It is this legacy as a product technology leader that enables us to work side-by-side with leading OEMs around the world. Partnering with Maruti Suzuki Motorsport – three years in a row – has been an affirmation of this shared commitment to excellence. Extending the relationship for another season, was a natural choice for both.”
On Mobil’s commitment to motorsports, Mr Paintal said, “Mobil has always been synonymous with engine protection and performance, and has partnered leading automakers and award-winning race teams across the world – motorsports excites us as much as any enthusiast.”
Mobil’s foray into motorsports dates back to 1978 when the brand first sponsored the Williams Formula 1 team. The brand’s 38 years in supporting Grand Prix racing has seen it partner three multi-race and championship teams. Mobil is also the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR, the Official Motor Oil of Formula Drift and the Official Motor Oil of the Sports Car Club of America.
A team of two from Motoroids will be covering the Raid de Himalaya and reporting live from the event through our social channels and blogs. Stay tuned for all the action from the rally!