Unlike in the first round at Coimbatore in June, the Special Stages are a lot smoother, if one disregards a few small sections where the vehicles could bounce around like a tennis ball. If anything, the competitors were happy that the terrain would not be a machine breaker as was the case in Coimbatore where only 23 of the 61 starters completed the Rally.

Most of the attention will be on the head-to-head battle between Mathias and Gill whose memorable drive last year from 31st to third overall, is still talked about.

Gill, the 28-year old from Delhi is going through a bad patch with a bunch of DNFs (Did Not Finish) and more than his share of bad luck. He is keen to showcase his undoubted driving talent that is based on raw speed and aggression.

Mathias, like Gill, was not classified in Coimbatore following retirement and is eager to get a victory under his belt, for a repeat of last year.

There will be stiff competition down the field too in other classes (1600cc, 1400cc, Rally Star Cup and Gypsy) that could throw up a few surprise results especially if rains decide to make their presence felt.

The three-day event will kick-off this evening with a ceremonial flag-off by Karnataka's Cooperation Minister Lakshman Savadi.