Christakis Fitidis and his co-driver Eric Nzamwita will head for a two front challenge next weekend. The crew is keen on securing top spot in both the Africa and national rally championships during the coming Pearl of Africa rally due next week on 29 June to 1 July.
The crew will be chasing Africa Rally Championship (ARC) and National Rally Championship (NRC) points.
Fitidis who is currently second on NRC is highly optimistic for a top five finish overall that will serve his double target.
And he will count on his luck from the past Pearl Rally events.
“I have had some good luck with Pearl over the years. My first time to do Pearl, I finished third and on my second time, I was second behind Lwakataka before I went on Sabbatical over health issues.”
“Just like last year, our target will be a top five finish overall. If we decide to take some risks then a podium could come our way,” he told Kawowo Sports.
However, Fitidis puts in mind the tight competition anticipated in this year’s Pearl rally.
“This year is going to be so competitive more than last year. And the top five will equally be difficult to get with the likes of Chatthe, Manvir, Giancarlo, Bukera and also our top drivers in the contest. I can see tighter fight especially from our local drivers fighting for top five,” he said.
Fitidis however insists that with the growing crowds of local fans, safety should be made a priority.
“This year’s routes are definitely going to be nice. But the organisers should double the safety measures to control the fans in stages. That will ensure the safety for both fans and crews.”