2026 Pearl Africa Rally Kicks Off in Mbarara with Qualifying Stages

The 2026 Pearl Africa Rally launched in Mbarara, western Uganda, with drivers tackling a 4.66km qualifying stage followed by a 3.77km shakedown at Mwesigwa Resort this Thursday morning.

This session targets registered Africa Rally Championship (ARC) participants and a handful of national drivers, helping determine starting positions for the ARC contenders, according to Aaron Nsamba, deputy Clerk of the course.

Key entrants include Tanzania’s Ahmed Huwel in a Toyota Yaris Rally 2, Kenya’s national champion Jasmeet Chana in a Ford Fiesta R5—who sits fourth in the 2026 ARC standings—and Aakif Virani in a Skoda Fabia, co-driven by Zahir Shah. Virani holds second place with 38 points, trailing leader Karan Patel by 11.

Chana aims for the African title, praising the smooth, fast Ugandan roads ahead of reconnaissance. Virani echoed optimism, targeting a podium by pushing hard.

All ARC vehicles cleared scrutineering smoothly, earning commendations from FIA Technical Delegate Viren Goricha for the drivers’ thorough preparations. Over 20 crews are eligible for ARC points.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)