African Rally Championship heats up as battle for scores shifts to Rwanda

BY FRANK KAHEESI

The 2025 FIA African Rally Championship has taken an intriguing turn, with the battle for high scores now headed to Rwanda.

Kenya’s Karan Patel picked up crucial points in the recently concluded Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, narrowing the gap with other contenders.

After dropping out of the WRC Safari Rally in March due to engine knock, Patel cautiously navigated the Pearl Rally to score vital points.

The Kenyan driver, competing in a Skoda Fabia, shielded off competition from Moil’s Yasin Nasser, who had fired up with a win in the 19km Ankole Cow stage.

However, Nasser’s challenge was short-lived as his car developed a gearbox problem, costing him valuable time. Fortunately, his mechanics were able to fix the issue, allowing him to rejoin the rally and secure a podium finish.

The championship remains wide open, with all the top contenders still in the running.

The battle for supremacy will now shift to Rwanda, where the scores will be settled ahead of the last two rounds of the continental championship.

The Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, scheduled for July 4-6, 2025, promises to be an exciting showdown between the top drivers.

With the championship still up for grabs, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 FIA African Rally Championship.

Will Karan Patel continue his momentum, or will another driver emerge as the champion?.

The current ARC standings are:

1. Yasin Nasser – 63 points

2. Nikhil Sachania – 50 points

3. Carl Tundo – 50 points

4. Jeremiah Wahome – 42 points

5. Samman Vohra – 36 points

6. Karan Patel – 35 points