Malik gives his Evolution 10 a facelift

Hussein Malik in action in his Mitsubishi Evolution 10 machine in a past event. [Courtesy]

Speedster Hussein Malik has given his Mitsubishi Evolution 10 machine a face lift ahead of the WRC Safari Rally to be staged this month.

The car he imported from Canada in 2018 was almost written off when he crashed out of the Equator Rally held in Naivasha in April.

“I felt disappointed for not making it to the day two of the Equator Rally which we were using to gauge ourselves ahead of the Safari,” Malik told Standard Sports.

“We rolled and our hopes were dashed by the crash that destroyed almost everything on the vehicle. I’m glad we have rebuild the car from scratch, it’s now ready for the Safari Rally.”

 Malik has changed the cars panels, doors, windscreen and repainted the vehicle to his satisfaction.

“I’m glad our FIA approved fuel tank remained intact after the crash,” he said.

The 40-year old driver, who is attending gym sessions to keep fit, now plans to test the car in the rough terrains of Lukenya today to weigh its effectiveness.

It appears his commitment in the gym is paying off as he has shed over 20 kilograms ahead of the global event slated for June 24-27. The Safari Rally is returning to Kenya after a 19-year hiatus.

He revealed that his navigator Linet Ayuko has already overcome the shock of the crash and the disappointment that came with it.

 “I believe we will be a force to reckon with in the Safari. Our primary aim is to finish the Safari,” Malik said on Friday at Nyayo Stadium.