India’s Dean Mascarenhas Finishes Second in Rally4 Class on European Debut at French Gravel Rally

Millau (France), October 13, 2025: Indian rally driver Dean Mascarenhas of TSI Racing made a spectacular mark on his European debut, finishing second in the Rally4 class at the 41st Rallye Terre des Cardabelles, one of France’s most challenging gravel rallies.

Partnered with experienced Brazilian co-driver Gabriel Morales, the Mangaluru-based driver powered a Peugeot 208 GT Line in the FRC4 group’s Rally4 category, clocking 1 hour, 37 minutes, and 43.4 seconds. The duo finished 36th overall among 122 starters — an impressive result in an event that saw 40 retirements and only 82 finishers.

Strong Performance on European Debut

“It was a dream start to my European journey,” said Mascarenhas after the rally.

“The stages were super-fast, technical, and very different from what I’m used to in India. It was the toughest rally I have ever competed in. Gabriel and I found a good rhythm, and finishing on the podium in such a strong field gives us huge motivation for what lies ahead.”

Rapid Progress Through the Stages

Mascarenhas, backed by Sidvin Energy Engineering and MRF Tyres, began cautiously on the opening SS1 (Hospitalet, 11 km), posting 8 minutes 13.2 seconds to rank 77th overall and sixth in class. Gradually finding pace through Le Campl (SS2) and Sainte-Eulalie (SS3), he climbed to 59th overall and fifth in class after the first loop.

With growing confidence in the left-hand-drive Peugeot, the TSI Racing driver pushed harder on Saturday’s second loop, rising to 41st overall and third in Rally4. On Sunday’s Leg 2, which featured the Sévérac d’Aveyron and Altesstages (run twice), the Indo-Brazilian pair recorded a combined 31 minutes 24.3 seconds, securing 29th overall for the leg and ultimately second place in Rally4.

Mascarenhas achieved a top speed of 181 km/h on the 22.71 km SS2, averaging 85.1 km/h across the rally’s 10 gravel stages spanning two days and over 150 km of competitive distance. The team was supported by PH Sport, GT2i, and Logirace.

Proud Moment for Indian Motorsport

“Dean adapted impressively to the challenges of European rally conditions,” said Mohan Nagarajan, CMD, Sidvin Energy Engineering.

“It’s a proud moment to see an Indian rally driver excel abroad on Indian-made tyres.”

Mohan, a former rally rider and co-driver himself, summed up:

“The level of competition in France is extremely high, with technical stages and limited reconnaissance. Dean’s quick adaptation was impressive, and I’m glad the training and preparation have paid off.”

Mascarenhas’ result at the Rallye Terre des Cardabelles marks a major milestone for Indian motorsport, proving that with determination and the right support, Indian drivers can shine on Europe’s most demanding rally stages.