Kenyan, Rwandan, Burundian and Ugandan rally drivers are gearing up for the forthcoming 2025 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally scheduled for July 4-6. The Rwanda rally circuit is part of the events listed on the annual Africa Rally Championship calendar. According to Rwanda Motorsport Federation Secretary-General Francois Cyatangabo, this year’s Mountain Gorilla Rally is expected to attract more than 25 drivers from the region. Registration to participate in this year’s rally edition will run for a month until end June, organisers confirmed. ALSO READ: National Rally Championship returns in Huye on June 14 Kenyan star driver Karan Patel, who won lest year’s edition in Bugesera, is expected to return to defend his crown although he may face stiff competition from his opponents from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. “We are making the regulations for the event and we are expecting 20 to 30 drivers for this year’s edition. Last year we had a good event but I believe this one will be even better,” Cyatangabo told Times Sport. After two ARC rounds, Ugandan Yasin Nasser is leading the table with 63 points, followed by Nikhil Sachania with 50 points, Carl Tundo has 50, Jeremiah Wahome has 42 points, Samman Vohra is followed with 36 points. 2024 winner Patel has 35 points in sixth place. Cyatangabo said this year’s Rally will showcase an even more competitive spirit of the sport while also bringing the excitement and challenge for the drivers. This year edition aims to test the drivers’ skills and adaptability under different conditions, making the rally more engaging for both participants and spectators. After racing in Rwanda, the drivers will also have to compete in Burundi on August, 15-17 before competing final race in September 19-21. ALSO READ: Blazing a new trail: How Sandrine Isheja found herself into Motorsport ALSO READ: 15 drivers confirmed for Huye Rally2023 With Patel now down trailing in sixth place Patel has his eyes on winning the Kigali- Bugesera Rally as he looks to keep his hopes of defending his title. Other main competitors, Ugandan drivers Jas Mangat and Hamza Anwar, Michael Jr. Mukula (19 points), Kuku Ranjit Singh, Mukasa Moustapha, Prince Charles Nyerere with Fernand Rutabingwa and Rwanda’s Jean Claude Gakwaya and Jean Claude Mugabo.
