The final list of 10 cars set to compete in the Nyirangarama Rally 2026 has been confirmed, with this year’s edition scheduled for Saturday, April 4 in Rulindo District, Northern Province.

Organised by Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) in partnership with Sina Rwanda, the annual event—now in its fifth edition—was officially launched during the 2025 Prize Giving Ceremony held on Wednesday, April 2. The ceremony brought together officials, drivers, and partners to celebrate last season’s achievements and unveil the 2026 championship.

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The evening also honoured the 2025 champions, with Queen Kalimpinya and her navigator Olivier Ngabo crowned winners in the main category. Gratien Rutabingwa and Irenee Munyaneza were recognised in the two-wheel drive category.

Organisers also paid tribute to competitors, mechanics, police, sports officials, and sponsors for their contribution to the growth of motorsport in Rwanda.

According to RAC Secretary General Ange François Cyatangabo, the 2026 season will kick off with the Nyirangarama Rally, covering approximately 120 kilometres over six laps.

He also outlined an ambitious calendar, with plans to expand activities to include motorcycling, karting, and motocross. Notably, both the Vice President and Secretary General are expected to compete this season.

Drivers to watch

The rally will feature a competitive field of 10 cars, with notable drivers including Kalimpinya, Giancarlo Davite, Mateo Davite, Christian Kanangire, Claude Kwizera, Eric Gakwaya, and Mike Rutuku.

The competition will feature a strong lineup of vehicles, including Subaru Impreza models, alongside Mitsubishi Evo X and Peugeot cars.

Fresh from an impressive outing at the Safari Rally Kenya, reigning champion Kalimpinya reflected on her experience and expectations for the new season.

"It was a very challenging rally—long, intense, and demanding. We are used to around 300 km races in Rwanda, but in Kenya it was about 1,200 km. It felt like a real World Rally Championship,” she said.

Reflecting on her 2025 title, she described it as a long-awaited achievement.

"We worked really hard for this championship. After finishing third before, finally winning means everything. It’s emotional.”

Kalimpinya also highlighted the historical significance of her triumph, becoming the first female champion in Rwanda in 25 years, since Nathalie Cox in 2000.

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Looking ahead, she acknowledged that adapting to a different car this season could present a challenge, but remains confident.

"We’re mentally ready. Even if the car is different, we will adapt.”

Meanwhile, two-wheel drive co-driver champion Irenee Munyaneza described his 2025 victory as the culmination of over two decades of dedication.

"This is a win I’ve been waiting for since 2001. It proves that all those years were not wasted,” he said.

However, he confirmed he will not compete in the 2026 season due to personal reasons, with hopes of making a return in the future.