Jeet Jhabakh and his co-driver Musa Sherif clinched the 2026 Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) title, becoming the very first all-Indian pairing to achieve this feat.
Jhabakh becomes only the second Indian to win the APRC drivers’ championship, following Gaurav Gill, who has won the title thrice.
But he’s the very first driver to win this in a two-wheel drive car, having competed in a Ford Fiesta Rally4 during overseas rounds and a Hyundai i20 N Line during the Indian round.
- Jhabakh becomes first driver to win APRC in a two-wheel drive car
- Finished 35 points clear of nearest rival
Jhabakh wins title on APRC debut
Sherif crowned 2026 APRC co-drivers’ champion
After years of success in circuit racing, including winning the Indian National Racing Championship twice, Jhabakh transitioned to rallying in 2024. He quickly established himself as a strong contender, finishing runner-up in INRC3 championship that year, followed by another runner-up finish in the INRCT class in 2025.
This year marked Jhabakh’s APRC debut. His championship-winning campaign was built on consistency as he scored points in all three rounds. He ended the season with a total of 73 points, 35 points clear of his nearest rival. Adding to his achievement, Jhabakh also secured the 2026 FIA APRC4 category.
“We were quick at every rally and never threw one away, and that’s what wins a championship,” said Jhabakh. “We had our share of problems across the season, but my co-driver Musa Sherif called every corner right and the engineers kept the car going. I’m proud of what we have achieved. This championship is a start, not a finish.”
Stephen Raj Antony
Saptarshi Mondal
