The number of challengers for the 2010 APRC Asia Cup continues to grow, with the latest entry from the Malaysian MRU Motorsports team. The MRU team will enter a Subaru Impreza driven by Rafiq Udhaya.

Starting with their home event in Malaysia, the MRU team will then travel onto Japan and Indonesia for their three nominated events. The team will use a locally prepared car in Malaysia and in Japan will take delivery of two ex-Cusco Subaru’s for Rally Hokkaido and Indonesia.

MRU stands for Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya, the initials of team principal and main driver. This will be Rafiq’s first attempt at rallying in an international series, a veteran driver in the Malaysian rally scene. Rafiq’s (or Mr MRU as he is known in Malaysia) mission this year is to gain more experience in preparation for the 2011 season where he hopes to be competitive.

Rafiq Udhaya was the Perodua Kancil Cup Champion in 1996, and Showroom Class Champion for two consecutive years, 2007 and 2008, finishing 3rd in the 1600cc class as well in 2008. He finished fourth overall in the 2009 Malaysian Rally Championship and second 2nd in Group N, the year he made the big switch…from a 1600cc 2WD to a Group N4 machine.

Co-driver Sean Gregory will be handling pace-note and PR duties.