May 28, 2025: In a shocking motorsport upset, Indian rally driver Jason Saldanha and his veteran co-driver PVS Murthy clinched a mind-blowing RC 2.1 class win and an overall second-place finish at the RAAT Rally of Thailand—despite driving a less powerful 2WD Suzuki Swift against a field of 4WD machines.
Held in the slippery and rain-drenched terrain of Khok Samrong, Lopburi, the second round of the 2025 rally season featured 30 competitors from Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, and India. Despite the odds, Jason’s unbelievable control and speed secured a time of 1hr, 7min, 58sec, landing him a podium finish in one of the toughest events of the year.
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“It was one of the most difficult rallies… just one mistake could’ve ended it,” said Jason, who hails from Sakleshpur, Karnataka. His rise began in 2023, when he became the first Indian to win a class title in this international rally.
With precise pace notes and calm navigation, co-driver PVS Murthy—with 25 years of experience—was instrumental in the team’s success.
Team owner Phuen of Insight and Ally praised Jason’s grit: “With a 2WD car, he still aimed for the overall podium—and got it. That’s what champions do.”
Jason now leads the 2025 Overall Championship by 10 points and dominates the RC 2.1 class with a massive 40-point lead over the second-placed driver.
Next stop: Round 3 in Sa Kaeo, Thailand, from July 18–20. Rally fans, this is one underdog story you must read!