Kwizera falters, Bukera in control

RWANDAN DRIVER Claude Kwizera finished sixth after yesterday's super stage in Rallye des Mille Collines at the Gahanga quarry to hurt his chances in today's final route.

Friday, December 12, 2014
Valerie Bukera makes a turn during the super stage yesterday. The Burundian holds a 13 point lead. (Photo/Unity Rally team.)

Super stage results

Davite Giancarlo (Rwanda) 3:43

Valerie Bukera (Burundi) 3:52

Sultan Kalula (Burundi) 4:06

Elefterios Mitraros (Rwanda) 4:07

Jean Claude Gakwaya (Rwanda) 4:07

RWANDAN DRIVER Claude Kwizera finished sixth after yesterday’s super stage in Rallye des Mille Collines at the Gahanga quarry to hurt his chances in today’s final route.

Valerie Bukera

Kwizera who clocked 4:14 paid for a mistake he made in the first round of section 1 when he span his car in the middle of the road and lost 10 seconds trying to turn to the right direction to continue with the race.

The 43-year-old who enters today’s race 13 points behind the front runner Valery Bukera from Burundi (113 points) has to make sure the latter finishes four places behind him to win the 2014 National Rally Championship.

Bukera told Times Sport that, "I want to remain focussed and relaxed. Our car is in good condition and we hope for the best. We checked out the circuit in Kawangire and Gakenke on Wednesday and Thursday and got a good image of the route. We shall do our best.”

Four-time national champion Davite Giancarlo who clocked 3:43 yesterday, the best time on the day has vowed to win today’s route in his Mitsubishi Evolution X, one with which he is yet to win a competition. He has always been known to drive the renowned ‘Umuleti’ – Subaru Impreza.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Adam Essa, who finished seventh with 4:20 was the best among the Ugandan drivers participating. He is optimistic that he will do well in today’s 356km gruesome race that includes four sections – section two (56.87km), section three (71.95km), section four (61.54km) and section five (76.67km).