Indian Driver Sanjay Takale leads the two-wheel drive class in the 2012 Asia Pacific Rally Championship after two podiums places at the first two rounds in New Zealand and Australia.

At the latest event in Queensland Australia Takale, in spite of heavy rain and turbulent weather, stormed into the overall lead due to some accurate navigation from fellow partner and navigator Musa Sharief.

The 2-wheel driver in the midst of rain-drenched and rough Australian terrain, cautiously drove his Proton Satria Neo car—with a sole aim of securing his position in the A6 class. Heavy downpours had rendered the track slippery which made the task all the more difficult. However, with Sherif providing accurate notes and Sanjay driving to his potential, the all-Indian pair stayed out of trouble and their persistence were repaid.

“It is just unbelievable to lead APRC in the 2-wheel drive mid-way through the season. Our overall second in Australia has put us ahead by one point in the championship. And with three more rounds still to go, it is any body’s game,” said the elated driver after returning home on Tuesday.

Takale on 45 points is ahead of some formidable opposition as just one point behind is Malaysian Champion Karamjit Singh and last year’s Junior Champion Akira Bamba from Japan – both drivers equal with 44 points. All are driving Proton Satria Neo 1.6’s.

The next 2012 APRC Rally is in Malaysia from 13th to 15th of July, 2012.