Patel tightens grip as Kanangire shines in ARC2

Defending champion Karan Patel moved a step nearer to retaining his Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally title after extending his general result in practically 5 minutes..

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July 12, 2026

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Patel tightens grip as Kanangire shines in ARC2

Defending champion Karan Patel moved a step nearer to retaining his Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally title after extending his general result in practically 5 minutes on the finish of Saturday's motion within the third spherical of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) in Bugesera District.

After 11 aggressive phases, the Kenyan star dominated the sector to put up a cumulative time of 1:14:05.6 opening a commanding 4 minutes 49.9 seconds benefit over Tanzania's Ahmed Huwel, who sits second general.

Patel maintained his relentless tempo all through the day, capping off Saturday by successful SS11 Gako 3 in 3:37.9 to cement his standing because the overwhelming favorite heading into Sunday's closing six phases.

Whereas Patel seems firmly in management on the entrance, the battle for the remaining podium locations stays fiercely contested.

The closest battle is between Tanzanian teammates Ahmed Huwel and Manveer Singh Birdi, with simply 19.8 seconds separating the pair after 11 phases.

Birdi additionally celebrated a profession milestone by claiming his maiden African Rally Championship stage victory within the Škoda Fabia Rally2, an encouraging signal as he continues to adapt to the brand new automobile.

Indian driver Naveen Puligilla, who impressed regardless of opening the highway for a lot of the rally, dropped from fourth to fifth general after being overtaken by Kenya's Aakif Virani.

Regardless of the setback, Puligilla's constant tempo has saved him firmly in competition for RC3 honours, even whereas carrying the drawback of sweeping unfastened gravel for the rivals behind.

Among the many Rwandan contingent, Christian Kanangire emerged because the standout native performer within the FIA African Rally Championship.

Though he completed ninth general, Kanangire dominated the ARC2 class, ending greater than 11 minutes forward of Uganda's Oscar Ntambi to assert the category lead.

The achievement marked a major milestone within the Rwandan driver's profession.

“I achieved my purpose. My focus was on competing within the ARC2 class, and I'm comfortable to complete first there. Profitable the Nationwide class as effectively makes it much more particular,” Kanangire mentioned.

Within the Nationwide Rally Championship (NRC), 21-year-old Michuki Hinga continued to impress with the very best efficiency of his younger profession.

The Kenyan teen climbed to second general amongst NRC rivals after native favorite Giancarlo Davite retired from the rally. His consistency all through Saturday has put him in a powerful place heading into the ultimate day.

Sunday's concluding leg options six particular phases, together with the decisive Ruhuha Energy Stage, the place precious championship factors might be up for grabs.

Though Patel carries a commanding benefit into the ultimate day, the battle for the remaining podium positions and class honours guarantees an thrilling end to the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally.

High 10 after SS11 (Gako 3)