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It had been anticipated that Yasin Nasser, accompanied by Ali Katumba, would participate in the rally, but they will not be taking part.
The African Rally Championship revs off this weekend, with what is expected to be a low-key first round at the Rally Bandama, which is set to take place in Yamoussoukro City of Cote D’Ivoire on 24-26th February.
The rally has proved to be crucial in the past, especially for teams that decide to compete in the full African rally championship calendar.
The 2023 championship, however, is looking different due to the absence of foreign drivers. Among the notable absentees are Yasin Nasser and Karan Patel.
It had been anticipated that Yasin Nasser, accompanied by Ali Katumba, would participate in the rally, but they will not be taking part.
Similarly, Karan Patel, Kenya’s National rally champion, is going to watch Rallye Bandama from home after failing to find a sponsor to back his challenge in West Africa, forcing him to withdraw.
According to reliable sources, Karan faced a challenge of transporting his fleet and opted to rent, which still failed.
The crew of Rhaaji Bharji from Kenya sponsored by Mint Motorsport has also opted not to participate in the Rallye Bandama for unknown reasons.
It should be noted that transporting the car along with equipment to West Africa has been a challenge to many rally drivers.
In 2020, South African Guy Botterill’s car failed to cross from Cotonou Port to connect to Abidjan, and he was forced to rent a car at the last hour from Gary Chynes.
Still, in 2022, Karan did not participate in Rallye Bandama. This cost Karan the 2022 ARC title to Zambia’s couple Lorey and Urshlla Gomes who picked up crucial points from the rally that were later crucial in the title race.
It is not known if the Mint Motorsport-sponsored driver will take part in the other rounds since his name does not appear on the ARC competitors list for the year 2023.
The absence of foreign drivers at the 49th edition of Rallye Bandama has made the event less competitive, leaving the local drivers to battle it out among themselves.
The most successful driver and winner of Rallye Bandama, Gary Chaynes, will lead the all-home boys’ battle driving Mitsubishi Evo X.
He will be challenged by Maxime Abondio driving a Mirage proto, not forgetting Frederic Nobou also driving a Ford Fiesta MK2 Proto as the rally favourites.
Other drivers on the final entry list presented to FIA are; Bottari Cyril, Roinet Carolle, Malick Gueye, Backary Fane, and others.
However, the lack of foreign participation makes it unclear who will emerge victorious, adding to the excitement of the event.
It remains to be seen how the remaining events of the African Rally Championship will unfold, but the absence of some of the most prominent drivers at Rallye Bandama has already set the stage for a different kind of competition.
The 49th edition of Rallye Bandama will rev off from February 24 to 26 in Yamoussoukro city, before rolling down to East Africa with Equator Rally Kenya in March 2023.
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