Contestants park their cars that will feature in Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally
Nineteen teams have confirmed their participation in Rwanda’s annual motorsport Race-Rwanda Mountain Gorilla rally which is scheduled to take place this weekend, September 8-10th.
The Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, known originally as the Fraternity Rally, is an international racing event organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club.
The rally is organised in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The event is part of the African Rally Championship and Rwanda National Rally Championship.
Uganda has the biggest number of participants with 10 drivers and co-drivers.
Burundi comes second with a total 9 drivers and co-drivers. They include the winner of last year’s season Bukera Valery and his compatriot Rudy Cantanhede who became the champion after winning three seasons-2004, 2008 and 2010.
Rwanda will be represented by seven drivers; Gakuba Diotis Tassos and Kayitankore Lionel (Toyota Corolla).
Others are Gakwaya Jean Claude and Mugabo Jean Claude(Subaru Impreza), Nizette Christophe (Subaru Impreza), Nyiridandi Fabrice and Karingirwa Regis (Toyota Celica).
However, Giancarlo Davite, winner of the rally – 2013 season will not represent Rwanda in this season. Aboard a Mitsubishi Evo X alongside his Burundian co-pilot Slyvia Vindevogel, Davite will represent Belgium.
Other countries in the rally include; Zambia, Kenya and UK.
Drivers that have all their eyes on winning the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally
As per the itinerary, this Thursday afternoon, the drivers attended the ceremonial launch at Kigali Convention Centre.
On Friday – September 8th they will drive from Convention Centre to Rugende – Gasabo where the contest will start.
The first stage Rugende – Mbandazi (20.95 km) will take the drivers to a dusty road in Kigali’s outskirts with low traffic.
The second stage in the same area is Ruhanga – Mbandazi totaling 14.21km.
The drivers will do two tours in both stages respectively.
Sports and Culture Minister Julien Uwacu also graced the event to flag off the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally
In the afternoon, the rally will head to Kigali for the Super Stage around Amahoro National Stadium.
Saturday, September 9th is the busiest day of the rally; the contestants will show what they do best in the relatively flat terrain of Bugesera district.
The stage – two return drives – include; Nyamizi – Gashora (19.69kms), Gaharwa – Nemba (11.56kms), Gako-Gasenyi (14.41kms) and Gasenyi-Nemba (22.22kms).
