Young rally driver, Hoshmand Elavia, displayed grit and determination to secure a podium finish at the 49^th South India Rally in Chennai, the opening round of the Indian National Rally Championship, held from 17^th – 19^th April, 2026. Held alongside Round 2 of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship, though Hoshmand competed against a highly competitive combined grid and challenging conditions, his performance stood out in the Junior INRC category.

The rally began with the Super Special Stage, where Elavia secured a second spot, early in the standings. The stages, featuring a mix of tarmac and dirt, tested both skill and adaptability. An electrical issue during the opening loop on 18^th April forced his early retirement for the day, but his R-Tech Motorsports team worked swiftly to resolve the issue and prepared the car for the final stages.

Next morning, Hoshmand returned with renewed focus, adapting effectively to the predominantly dirt terrain. With steady improvements in pace and control, he worked his way back into contention and secured a commendable third-place finish in his category.

One of the youngest drivers in the championship, Elavia credited his team, teammate and navigator for their support. This resilient performance marks a strong start to his season, as he sets his sights on higher milestones ahead.