New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): The 13th edition of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, one of country's top cross-country rallies, was flagged off here Monday with over 130 participants in the fray for the week-long 2,300 km event across the Thar desert.

Covering the picturesque and remote areas of Rajasthan, the Rally which has four categories in Xtreme, Moto-Quad, Ndure and Explore, will touch Sardarshahar, Jaisalmer and Bikaner before concluding in Jaipur March 1.

The action begins Tuesday at Sardarshahar with the running of the night Special Stage covering 150 km and commencing at 10.30.

Thrice winner of Desert Storm, Suresh Rana from Manali, driving a Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, is the favourite in the Xtreme class while the other star is C.S. Santhosh of the Dakar rally fame, who will be riding a Suzuki bike in a bid to retain the title.

On the sidelines of the ceremonial flag-off here, Manohar Bhat, Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India, said: "Maruti Suzuki is a frontrunner in Indian motorsports arena. To challenge India's finest drivers, we have set a thrilling and competitive route to conquer Rajasthan's terrain.

"The rally brings out the best in participants who depend on their skills and vehicle's ability to reach the finish line. We are excited to witness this year's adventure trail and wish good luck to all the participants demonstrating their immense potential and capabilities."