Aakif Virani is optimistic that the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally will grant him an opportunity to fight for two Africa Rally Championship honours; the overall ARC and Masters titles.
Virani features in the Pearl Rally for the first time. The event running from 7-9 May in Mbarara, western Uganda, is the second round of the Africa Rally Championship.
The Kenyan champion put up a fight in the first round of the ARC in Kenya to secure a second position behind Kenyan counterpart Karan Patel. And that put him second on the ARC standings, just 11 points behind his compatriot Patel.
“The inspiration to come to Uganda is that we are second in the ARC and we are leading the ARC Masters series. We have positions one and two to defend and try to get two championships,” he told Kawowo Sports.
Over 20 crews will be eligible to score ARC points in the Pearl Rally. However, Virani believes he is in the best position to secure the top spot.
“I see clear chances for us to get another podium. We were second in Kenya, where we had the same crews involved. The potential for a podium is there, and potential for a win is there as well,” he added.
Virani takes on the challenge in a Skoda Fabia with Zahir Shah calling the pace notes.
The Pepsi-sponsored crew had an experience of the stage during recce, and they believe the stages offer nothing to worry about.
“The stages are fast enough. It is only part of the Charles and Mama stages that have a bit of rough patches. But it is what we are used to in Kenya. The rest of it is flat-out,” he said.
“If we get another win from here, then we stand a good chance of going to other events,” he asserted.
The Pearl Rally revs off with a 4.66km qualifying stage on Thursday, followed by a 3.77 kilometer shakedown at Mwesigwa Resort in Mbarara.
Rally will consist of twelve (12) stages, running a total competitive distance of 201.85. kilometres.