The 2026 Mountain Gorilla Rally returns from July 10 to 12, with Africa's high rally drivers set to battle for essential factors in each the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) and the Rwanda Nationwide Rally Championship.
For native stars Queen Kalimpinya, Christian Kanangire, and co-driver Claude Mugabo, the house occasion presents a golden alternative to strengthen their positions in each the nationwide and continental standings whereas competing in entrance of dwelling followers on the acquainted dusty roads of Bugesera.
Nationwide championship chief Giancarlo Davite heads into the rally with 70 factors following victories on the Nyirangarama Rally and GMT Musha Rally. Nonetheless, with a number of rounds nonetheless to return, each level on supply this weekend may show decisive within the battle for the title.
ALSO READ: Africa’s high rally stars set to headline 2026 Mountain Gorilla Rally
Davite's closest challengers, Eric Gakwaya (49 factors) and Queen Kalimpinya (42), shall be aiming to shut the hole earlier than the championship enters its second half.
Kalimpinya targets dwelling success
Recent from a powerful efficiency on the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, Kalimpinya believes the Mountain Gorilla Rally may rework each her nationwide and continental campaigns.
“I'm effectively ready. Rallying is all about preparation, preparation and the staff. We've ready effectively, examined the automobile, and I'm prepared,” she stated.
Not like within the nationwide championship, Kalimpinya will compete in a Subaru Impreza GVB, with technical assist from Uganda's Moil Rally Crew and skilled co-driver Olivier Ngabo alongside her.
“I wish to end first or second within the nationwide championship after this rally. In ARC2, I'm at present fourth and my aim is to complete on the rostrum. In ARC Junior, I'm second and I wish to transfer into first place after the rally,” Kalimpinya instructed Occasions Sport.
With six feminine drivers and 4 feminine co-drivers anticipated to compete, Kalimpinya can also be eyeing the award for the occasion's greatest feminine driver.
“It's one thing to rejoice. The variety of girls collaborating reveals how a lot rallying is rising in Rwanda,” she added.
ALSO READ: 5 drivers to observe at 2026 Mountain Gorilla Rally
Kanangire banking on dwelling benefit
One other native contender hoping to capitalize is Christian Kanangire, who enters the occasion third within the ARC2 standings.
The skilled driver believes his familiarity with the Bugesera levels may give him a vital edge.
“We did some checks with the automobile and it felt actually good. Just some changes are wanted to optimize confidence for my navigator and me,” Kanangire stated.
“We all know the Bugesera roads effectively, and we'll be pushing from the very first stage. However there will even be some highly effective automobiles competing in each the general ARC and ARC2 classes, so the competitors shall be powerful.”
Kanangire believes a quick begin shall be important.
“I wish to set aggressive occasions early and construct a buffer from the start. I simply hope the automobile lasts till the end.”
Greater than only a rally
Past the competitors, Kanangire believes the Mountain Gorilla Rally has grown into considered one of Rwanda's premier sporting occasions.
“It has at all times been an occasion that promotes tourism for each locals and foreigners. Lodges and eating places stay up for this era, and this yr we have now a file variety of entries from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda.
“It reveals the potential of the Mountain Gorilla Rally, and I hope each the Authorities of Rwanda and RAC proceed working collectively to take it to even better heights.”
With useful championship factors accessible in each the nationwide and continental competitions, this yr's Mountain Gorilla Rally may show to be one of many defining moments of Rwanda's rally season.
A robust outcome this weekend may dramatically reshape each standings and inject recent momentum into the title race forward of the remaining rounds of the marketing campaign.
