Women’s Rally tests endurance as mechanical failures hit field

The inaugural Women in Motorsport Rally proved a demanding test of endurance, courage and teamwork as mechanical problems reduced the field but failed to overshadow a strong showing by women in Rwanda’s motorsport scene. Held in Gako, Bugesera District, on Saturday, September 12, the rally featured six stages covering approximately 130 kilometres along the Nemba, Kamabuye and Gasenyi routes. Five cars lined up for the opening special stage, with Giancarlo Davite and Sandrine Isheja Butera setting the fastest time of 14 minutes and 29 seconds. Queen Kalimpinya was second in 18:00. Davite again posted the fastest time in Special Stage 2, finishing in 13:50, while Kalimpinya recorded 23:50, although the results sheet did not include her start and finish times. ALSO READ: Women in Motorsport Rally: Who are the top contenders? But the rally proved to be about more than speed. Mechanical failures and retirements took their toll as the stages progressed, leaving only two cars to reach the finish. Davite and co-driver Isheja emerged as the overall winners after combining their times across the completed stages. Their victory came despite a major mechanical setback when the car’s gearbox broke, threatening to bring their rally to an early end. Rather than retire, Davite nursed the damaged car through the remaining stages to reach the finish and secure victory. The result highlighted the endurance and resilience required to navigate Rwanda’s challenging rally terrain. Kalimpinya, one of the leading women in Rwanda’s rally scene, also battled mechanical problems during the event but persevered to finish second. Her result was particularly significant given the difficulties she has experienced in previous competitions. At the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, electrical and mechanical problems forced her to miss several stages. This time, she overcame another setback to complete the event. Isheja wins Best Female Trophy Isheja was another standout performer, earning the Best Female Trophy for her role as a co-driver. She was also crowned the Women in Rally champion in the co-driver category, highlighting the growing contribution of women not only behind the wheel but also in navigation and teamwork. Isheja praised the women who participated in the event, describing them as fearless and inspiring. “You are phenomenally fearless and absolutely inspiring. We are constantly in awe of each and every one of you,” she said. She also thanked the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) for creating a platform for women to compete and develop their skills. “Thank you also to the RAC for putting this beautiful event together and creating a platform where women are celebrated and continue to grow in motorsport,” she added. Confronting fears Aurore Mutesi Kayibanda, who competed alongside driver Eric Gakwaya, did not finish the rally but said the experience helped her confront her fears while learning the importance of trust and communication inside a rally car. “It was an amazing experience. I would even say it was, in a way, about facing your fears,” Mutesi said. “The mountain tracks can be challenging, but the most important lesson for me was the importance of communication between me and my pilot. That communication and trust played a big role.” The Women in Motorsport Rally demonstrated that while mechanical failures can test even experienced competitors, determination and teamwork can be equally important. For Davite and Isheja, it was victory despite a broken gearbox; for Kalimpinya, a hard-fought second place; and for Isheja, individual recognition as the best female competitor and co-driver champion. More broadly, the event provided another platform for women to showcase their skills and reinforce their place in Rwanda’s motorsport scene.

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Women’s Rally tests endurance as mechanical failures hit field