By ABDUL SIDI
Foreign drivers are in town for the 62nd KCB Safari Rally, which will cover 800km across three counties this weekend.
The rally will be flagged off at Kenya International Conference Centre this Friday at 10am. Uganda’s Christakis Fitidis, accompanied by his Rwandan navigator Eric Nzamwita, were at Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF) offices on Monday to finalise documentation.
Also in town is Uganda’s Jas Mangat, who is teaming up with Carl Tundo’s sister Tash Di Cangio in a Mitsubishi EVOX. Foreigners will for the next two days head for reconnaissance which starts this Tuesday morning.
Also in town is the FIA African Rally Championship leader Gary Chaynes and his Romain Comas. Chaynes will be driving a Mitsubishi EVOX. Six foreign drivers have enlisted to participate in the Safari Rally.
Chaynes, who is the reigning Cote d’Ivoire champion, will be making his debut in the Safari. Also in town is Ugandan driver Duncan Mubiru “KIakankane”. Mubiru jetted into the country on Monday and will be proceeding for recce with the rest of the foreigners.
DRIVERS HAPPY
Local crews completed their reconnaissance at the weekend and expressed satisfaction with the course.
Quentin Mitchell, who is unveiling a new car and navigator in the Safari, was all smiles after recce: “We just completed two days of reconnaissance for the 62nd Safari Rally and I can admit that the route is fantastic.
“Nicolas Camara will be reading the pace notes and the entire team is now awaiting arrival of the car to the workshop and hoping it will be cleared through customs by tomorrow evening. Fingers crossed guys.”
Heavy rains in Laikipa county has seen elephants surface on the route course. There was quite a bit of game in the weekend recce. Reports from Nanyuki said parts of Kisima Wheatland stage are impassable “hence has been shortened.”
Scrutineering for cars starts on Wednesday through to Thursday.
Kiambu’s Migaa will be run once after Friday’s flag off KICC flag off while the Batian View – located 5kms from Nanyuki town – will be run 4 times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Courtesy of nation.co.ke