Polo R Cup 2012 Driver Fitness Camp and Pre-Season Test: Racers Prepare for the Tough Season Ahead

- Football, Volleyball, Martial Arts, Water Polo, Cardio and Yoga: Volkswagen provides the tools to drivers to reach the peak of their fitness
- Camp includes Medical Assessment, tips on Sponsorship Management and discussion on Rules and Regulation of the championship
- Fitness camp was coupled with an opportunity to test drive the new TSI Race Polo at the Buddh International Circuit

New Delhi, June 16, 2012: Volkswagen Motorsport India concluded an intensive two-day fitness camp today for the young Polo R Cup 2012 drivers. After two successful fitness camps in last two seasons, Volkswagen continues to make Polo R Cup drivers stronger and fitter. The pre-season driver fitness camp was held at Jaypee Integrated Sports Complex, Greater Noida. The fitness camp was designed keeping in mind the physical and mental needs of a racer. Under this program the drivers were taken through a number of sessions designed to provide them with the fitness tools to become well-rounded racing professionals.For the first time in three seasons, the fitness camp was coupled with a pre-season test drive. The 20 young racers were given an opportunity to test drive the new TSI Race Polo at the Buddh International Circuit to help themget acquainted with their respective race machines.

The fitness camp was conducted under the guidance of Mr. Abhimanyu Sable and his team of professional trainers from ABS Fitness & Wellness Club. The camp provided the drivers with sessions on Mixed Martial Arts, Suspension Training, Weight Training and other group sports like Football, Volleyball and Water Polo. Drivers were also made to undergo mental fitness exercises like Meditation and Yoga. The aim of all these sessions was to improve the level of physical and mental fitness of the drivers.The first two seasons' fitness camp had taken place in Ooty and Lonavala in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

"We believe that the performance of the drivers is not just about how they drive the car. It has also to do with their overall fitness. Our aim is to prepare them to be as fit as possible on the racing circuit. To be a successful and complete racing driver, fitness remains one of the prime requirements.This camp was based on the international fitness format followed by Volkswagen globally and it focuses on all-round fitness development of drivers" said Mr. Prithviraj Siddappa, head of Volkswagen Motorsports India. "The fitness camp was preceded by a pre-season test drive for all the drivers to help them get acquainted with their Race Polo".

"Motorsports is a very challenging activity which needs both strength and stamina. The racers have to undergo various physical pressures and need to havegood concentration power. This year we have focused more on functional exercises and suspension training (with TRX band) where one's own body weight is used at different angles and postures to strengthen the core and back muscles. Besides this we had sessions dedicated to meditation and breathing exercises which will help the drivers to have a focussed mind in pressure situations", said Abhimanyu Sable, Founder MD, ABS Fitness & Wellness Club. "This camp included a medical check-up and basis that we have suggested tailor-made fitness program for each driver to prepare their body and mind for the gruelling season ahead".

"Fitness camp is a really powerful tool. Last year it helped me identify my weakness and showed me the way to work on it. The results of the camp were evident in my performance during the races. This year the trainers have seen an improvement in my fitness and helped me move up on my fitness regime", said Mihir Dharkar, third runner-up of the Volkswagen Polo R Cup 2011.

"It was a great experience for me. The importance of fitness in motorsport is less understood and there was no better way for me to learn than this fitness camp. I am definitely going to incorporate all that was taught to us and keep myself fit for the races", said rookie driver from Delhi, Tabish Khan. "One of the sessions included a technical workshop which has helped me immensely to understand the dynamics of the Race Polo. It will definitely help me to bond quicker with my race machine".

Motor sports enthusiasts interested in getting further information can log on to the website, www.polocup.in. This website displays information about Polo R Cup format, race updates and driver profiles. Follow Polo R Cup on www.facebook.com/vwpolocupIndia