)
Kenyan driver Karan Patel was in a class of his own as he won the ARC Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally to get the ball rolling for his continental ambitions this season.
Karan Patel, the Kenyan rally driver, showcased his prowess behind the wheel yet again by clinching victory at the ARC Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally on Sunday.
The event, which took place at the Source of Nile River Hotel in Jinja, saw Patel dominate the competition, securing first place alongside his navigator Tauseef Khan in a Skoda Fabia R5.
Patel's victory was a testament to his consistency and skill, as he conquered eight out of nine stages throughout the rally.
)
22:00 - 11.05.2024
Kenya's Karan Patel untouchable in Uganda as crews embark on season-opening ARC Pearl Rally
Kenya’s Karan Patel announced his intentions of claiming the ARC Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally with an impressive performance on the opening day.
His remarkable performance was highlighted by his ability to navigate the challenging terrain, including the sugar cane sections that tested drivers' precision.
Despite facing stiff competition, particularly from Uganda's own Jas Mangat, Patel remained undeterred, ultimately edging out his rivals to secure the top spot.
Mangat, who put up a formidable challenge, praised Patel's performance but cited issues with brakes and dust as setbacks that hindered his own performance.
)
10:20 - 11.05.2024
Kalle Rovanpera reflects on fierce Friday battle at Rally de Portugal
Kalle Rovanperä leads Rally de Portugal after a fierce Friday battle fending off teammate Sébastien Ogier amid intense competition.
For Patel, the victory held special significance as he dedicated it to his mother on Mother's Day. In a statement following his win, Patel expressed his joy and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of his mother's support.
“Last year we didn’t do the Pearl Rally, but we still won the championship. It was a good race in Jinja, I dedicate the win to my mum, it’s Mothers’ Day,” said Patel.
“We expected Mangat to be quick because he was doing some training with Gregoire Munster, so we expected some improvements in his pace. We would have won all the stages, but we made a small mistake in one of the stages, a corner came too first, so we had to overshoot and lost eight seconds.”
)
15:12 - 09.05.2024
Sordo returns with a bang in Portugal, leading Hyundai 1-2-3 in shakedown
Dani Sordo leads Hyundai 1-2-3 in Rally de Portugal shakedown, returning strong after six-month break despite fierce competition.
The podium also saw another Kenyan driver, Hamza Anwar, securing third place in his debut R5 outing, further solidifying Kenya's dominance in the rally circuit.
As the dust settled and the celebrations ensued, Team Karan set their sights on maintaining their stranglehold on the African rally circuit, setting a high bar for the upcoming legs of the continental championship.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)