African Rallying Shines as New Champions Are Crowned and Crews Shine Internationally
By BBC Sport Africa
As the rally season in Africa nears its conclusion, the titles are beginning to pour in, marking a significant end to the year for several African drivers. From Uganda to Madagascar, the continent’s rallying scene is bustling with excitement, showcasing both emerging talents and established champions.
Sebuguzi Takes Uganda’s National Title
In Uganda, the country’s rallying scene witnessed a historic moment at the Independence Rally, which took place from October 3 to 5. Ronald Sebuguzi, driving a Mitsubishi Evo9, clinched the Ugandan National Rally Championship title after finishing second at the event. This result was enough for Sebuguzi to claim the crown, succeeding Jas Mangat, who had been absent from the season due to professional commitments. Sebuguzi, with his consistency and performance, was able to secure the title despite Omar Mayanja’s victory in the rally.
Olivier Ramiandrisoa Triumphs in Madagascar
In Madagascar, Olivier Ramiandrisoa was crowned national champion for the second time in his career after winning the Tour de Tanà rally. The victory, which came a week after Sebuguzi’s win in Uganda, secured Ramiandrisoa’s place as the top driver in the Malagasy championship. The absence of his key rivals, Boom Patrick Solofonirina and Ando Randrianarivony, who both retired from the race, made Ramiandrisoa’s task somewhat easier. However, it was the mechanical failure of Thierry Louis Rabekoto, the last remaining challenger, that sealed the championship for Ramiandrisoa. Rabekoto’s Subaru N12 broke down just 500 meters from the final special stage, allowing Ramiandrisoa to inherit the title.
African Crews Shine at Rallye Terre de Cardabelles
In international rallying, 10 African crews participated in the Rallye Terre de Cardabelles in France, a notable event that brought together drivers from various continents. The best performance by an African driver came from Ivorian Eric Pages, who finished 25th overall in his Mitsubishi Evo9, ahead of fellow Ivorian Alain Ambrosino, who finished 27th. Moriféré Soumaoro, driving a Mitsubishi EvoX, also performed well, finishing 30th overall.
A group of Ivorian drivers, including Loic Malherbe, Marc Molinié, Kevin Ligonnet, and Luc Jacquelin, participated in Citroën Saxo T4s, finishing in positions ranging from 55th to 71st. Malagasy driver Andry Rakotomalala, driving a Peugeot 106, finished 76th out of 85 cars that made it to the finish line.
One driver who had to pull out before the final timed stage was Rudy Cantanhede from Burundi, who was nonetheless content with his participation. Meanwhile, Gary Chaynes, the leader of the African Championship, and co-driver Olivier Fournier were unable to start due to an electronic failure with their Mitsubishi EvoX.
French Victory in the Rallye Terre de Cardabelles
The Rallye Terre de Cardabelles saw a dominant performance by Frenchman Jean Marie Cuoq, who secured the overall victory behind the wheel of a Citroën C4 WRC. His victory further highlighted the competitiveness of the event, as African crews demonstrated their skill and ambition on the international stage.
With the African rally season drawing to a close, the recent string of championships and international performances underscores the growing prominence of African rallying, showcasing both emerging talents and seasoned competitors making waves on the world stage.
