Kenya’s Manvir Baryan is already proving why he is a deserved African Champion.
The MRT driver only needed to make it to the starting ramp of the opening day to be assured of the 2017 African Rally title.
His drive on the opening day only confounded what has been of the crew all year.
Barely putting a foot wrong Manvir and Sturrock dominated the rally’s stages; winning all the day’s stages.
“Day one has not been bad. The stages are really nice. We have managed push on despite having punctures.
“The stages are very nice and ecciting. But we shall maintain our strategy tomorrow,” says Manvir.
Manvir now holds a 47seconds lead over local favourite Muna Singh Jr.
Last year’s rally winner Jassy Singh heads into the final day in third position followed by Farouk Ticklay in fourth.
Day one registered 12 casualties including Belgian’s Giancarlo Davite who ended his fight for ARC third place in stage two.
The event resumes on Sunday with four stages covering a total competitive distance of 64.32kilometres.