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Nasser and his co-driver Ali Katumba will take on the relatively familiar fesh fesh and safari-like challenge in Kenya, with the pair doing so in their all-new Ford Fiesta R5.
Yasin Nasser insists that he is keeping his expectations firmly in check ahead of his return to the Africa Rally Championship action next weekend at the Equator Rally in Kenya.
The 2019 Uganda National Rally Champion will get his charge for the African title underway with new confidence following victory at the Mbarara Rally three seasons ago on the local scene.
Nasser and his co-driver Ali Katumba will take on the relatively familiar fesh fesh and safari-like challenge in Kenya, with the pair doing so in their all-new Ford Fiesta R5.
“The ARC stage is a familiar ground for us,” Nasser who won the ARC 2 title in 2021 said. “We have competed in several ARC events, but in Voi, we are going more stronger, targeting top finishes.”
“As we go to Kenya to compete for ARC. It is not only about us but also the country. I believe many crews wanted to compete but failed to make it because of finances.”
“NCS should consider giving some sponsorship to such crews to create a big block for Uganda in ARC,” added Yasin.
Nasser will be among two Ugandan crews competing at the rally, together with Jas Mangat, who won the auxiliary ARC 2 championship – a category for the Group N cars – last year.
The two will be the only foreign crews taking part in the rally, but the local drivers present a formidable field led by reigning Kenyan national champion and last year’s winner Karan Patel.
Italian driver Pierro Cannobio – driving under a Kenyana license – will also launch his ARC title ambition behind his newly acquired Hyundai i20 R5.
FIA Young Rally Star Program drivers Mcrae Kimathi, Hamza Anwar and Jerome Wahome will add spice to the competition for the podium places.
“It is always tough in Kenya. The stages are very tricky and very fast, meaning you need to be committed to being quick,” Nasser noted.
“I need to keep this in my mind. It’s our first year with the new car, and we’re still learning a lot, so we’re not putting too much pressure on ourselves. But for sure, I’d love to fight for a win,” he continued.
The Taita Estate on the outskirts of Voi in the South West of Kenya will serve as the base for most of the competitive stages for the Equator rally.
The event will cover a total distance of 421.08 km, with 205.25 km dedicated to the competitive stages.
The first leg will include a transport distance of 143.88 km and a competitive distance of 159.66 km. The second leg will feature a transport distance of 71.95 km and a competitive distance of 45.59 km.
The competition will be divided into two legs, held over two days, featuring a total of 10 special stages.
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