From reigning African champions to rising native stars, the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, scheduled for July 10–12, will function a few of the continent's best rally drivers as they battle for essential factors within the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC).
Listed below are 5 drivers to regulate.
Karan Patel (Kenya)
If there’s one driver the remainder of the sphere can be chasing in Rwanda, it’s Karan Patel.
The Kenyan tops the 2026 ARC standings with 83 factors after a powerful begin to the season. Earlier this 12 months, he claimed a 3rd consecutive Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally title and in addition collected most ARC factors on the Safari Rally Kenya.
ALSO READ: Africa’s prime rally stars set to headline 2026 Mountain Gorilla Rally
Patel has additionally loved success in Rwanda, successful the 2024 Mountain Gorilla Rally in 1 hour, 37 minutes and 47.7 seconds. Though he retired from the 2025 version alongside co-driver Tauseef Khan, he returns as one of many favourites to reclaim the title.
Driving a Škoda Fabia Rally2, Patel has already issued a warning to his rivals.
“All the pieces is about. We’re prepared to offer it all the things we've bought. See you in Rwanda,” he mentioned in a video shared on his social media accounts.
Yasin Nasser (Uganda)
The reigning 2025 African Rally Champion is one other driver anticipated to be within the highlight.
Presently sixth within the 2026 ARC standings with 34 factors, Nasser endured mechanical issues on the Safari Rally however bounced again with a podium end on the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally.
The Ugandan, who completed fourth general in Rwanda final 12 months, can be concentrating on a powerful outcome to revive his championship problem.
“We’re comfortable to see our brothers from Kenya and Tanzania coming to race in Uganda. As Workforce Moil, we are going to hold pushing as we gather factors all through the ARC calendar. Subsequent cease is the Mountain Gorilla Rally, and we are going to get pleasure from it,” Nasser mentioned.
Ahmed Huwel (Tanzania)
Few drivers have proven as a lot consistency over the previous 12 months as Ahmed Huwel.
The Tanzanian arrives in Rwanda because the reigning Mkwawa Rally champion, 2025 Tanzania Nationwide Rally Champion (NRC) and NRC2 title holder.
Driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, Huwel impressed in the course of the opening phases of the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally earlier than mechanical issues denied him a stronger end. His tempo and consistency make him one of many main contenders for a podium end.
Queen Kalimpinya (Rwanda)
No native competitor will entice extra consideration than Queen Kalimpinya.
Contemporary from ending second within the ARC2 class on the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in her Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Rwanda's solely feminine rally driver additionally secured second place within the ARC Junior class and completed twelfth general within the continental standings.
Competing on house soil, Kalimpinya can be aiming to construct on her current breakthrough and ship one other standout efficiency in entrance of Rwandan followers.
ALSO READ: Kalimpinya secures ARC2 podium end at Pearl of Africa Uganda rally
Aakif Virani (Kenya)
Presently third within the ARC standings with 60 factors, Aakif Virani has quietly established himself as one of many championship's most constant performers.
Regardless of receiving a five-minute penalty on the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, the Kenyan fought again to complete fourth amongst ARC rivals, gathering precious championship factors.
With the title race intensifying and solely a handful of rallies remaining on the calendar, Virani can be keen to shut the hole on the championship leaders with a powerful displaying in Rwanda.
