Olivier Ngabo has been co-driving alongside Queen Kalimpinya for the past five years, playing a key role in her success from the Safari Rally Kenya 2026 to national competitions. Often unseen but always essential, the co-driver is the one who reads the road, navigating stages, and managing time under pressure. In this partnership, Ngabo has been more than just a navigator. He has been a constant support system. From this partnership, it becomes clear that rally is not just about the driver behind the wheel. It is about a system built on coordination. So, what exactly does a co-driver do in motorsport, and why are they essential to success? ALSO READ: Davite claims victory as mechanical failure shake Nyirangarama Rally One of the primary responsibilities of a co-driver is calling pace notes, which are detailed instructions that describe every turn, jump, and surface on the road ahead. These notes allow the driver to anticipate what’s coming, often at extreme speeds where visibility and reaction time are limited. Beyond navigation, co-drivers also manage time controls, ensuring the team checks in at the right moment to avoid penalties. They are responsible for route compliance, making sure the crew follows the correct itinerary throughout the rally. ALSO READ: Robin Hobbies wins maiden Sprint Enduro racing in Shyorongi Preparation start before the race For co-driver Olivier Ngabo, the work begins long before race day. “We go through the stages before the race at controlled speed. The driver calls what they see, and I write the notes in real time. After that, I will rewrite them clearly.” Inside the car, communication is constant. The co-driver must remain calm, focused, and accurate at all times. “During the stages, I focus on my pace notes,” Ngabo explains. A partnership built on trust Rallying is not an individual sport. It is built on trust between driver and co-driver. “Trust between me and my driver is a very strong pillar. It is one of the things that has helped us achieve success,” said Irenee Munyaneza, a co-driver with Eric Gakwaya. Despite often being less visible to the public, the co-driver is far more than a passenger. They are the eyes, the voice, and the strategist inside the car. In rally, success is not only about speed, it is about teamwork, behind every great driver, there is a co-driver ensuring that the turns are anticipated, time is managed, and risks are calculated.
