Kenya's Carl 'Flash' Tundo seeks to widen lead in ARC Tanzania

Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo (R) and his co-driver Tim Jessop (L) pose for a photo next to their VW Polo R5 in Enashipai Spa in Naivasha on 22/6/21. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The 2021 African Rally Championship (ARC) leader Carl 'Flash' Tundo has planned to widen the lead in the third round of the continental race that kicks off in Tanzania on Friday.

FIA Young Star driver Jeremy Wahome will also make his debut in the championship whose three consecutive titles are held by Kenya's Manvir Baryan.

"I have prepared well, I look forward to carry on with the good run that saw me win the Equator Rally in Naivasha in April," said Tundo.

FIA Young Star Program driver Jeremy Wahome during his unveiling at MISC Kasarani on June 15, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Other Kenyans in the Tanzania race are McRae Kimathi and Hamza Anwar.

“I am thrilled at this opportunity because it is my first time to take part in the ARC," said Wahome.

"It is a new challenge but from the experience, I gathered at the Safari Rally in Naivasha last month, I am confident that I will perform well,” he added.

Tundo, a  five-time winner of the Kenya National Rally Championship, will seek glory in a VW Polo R5, while the remaining trio will contest the gruelling race in M-Sport Ford Fiesta R3 which they used at the Naivasha Safari Rally.

FIA Young Star Program driver McRae Kimathi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kimathi expressed confidence ahead of the championship saying he is out to improve his eighth place finish in Naivasha.

"I was the only indigenous top finisher in Naivasha, I feel inspired to carry on with the same spirit in Tanzania," said Kimathi.

It will be the second time that Anwar will be taking part in the ARC after finishing fifth in Naivasha leg.

“I appreciate the opportunity that Safaricom and Kenya Airways have given us to grow our talent, through the FIA Young Stars Programme.

FIA Young Star Program driver Hamza Anwar. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

"My aim is to keep on getting better and improve on my results,” said Wahome.

Tundo also prides himself as the 2019 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) champion, making him the only Kenyan to have ever bagged the IRC title.

Kimathi (26), Wahome and Anwar, both 22, are some of the youngest drivers who featured in the Safari Rally that made a comeback in Kenya after a 19-year absence. Wahome finished the Safari Rally in 16th position and Anwar in 25th while Kimathi retired at the final stage due to a mechanical problem.

 

Remaining FIA Rally series

1.Rally of Tanzania, July 23-25

2.Zambia International Rally, September 24-26

3.Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, October 22-24

4. Rally of South Africa, November 26-27