Chager says it's hard to beat Skoda R5s in Kilifi contest

Baldev Singh Chager (left) with his co-driver Ravi Soni celebrates after winning the Top Fry Classic Safary Rally at Lake Bogoria SPA and Resort in Baringo county on April 3, 2018. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

KNRC leader Baldev Singh Chager has kick-started preparations for next month’s KCB Mombasa Rally set for Kilifi on August 16-17.

The ‘Flying Singh’ has two wins under his belt and hopes to be well prepared and competitive as he resumes his title hunt against R4 Mitsubishi Evolution 10s and R5 Skodas.

The reigning Safari Rally champion, who will drive a Mitsubishi Evolution 10 R4 machine, insists Skoda Fabia R5 speedsters will be hard to beat through the season.

After chalking up double points on the WRC Candidate Safari Rally, Boldy is favourite to clinch the KNRC title this season. 

"We hope to defend Mombasa Rally and safeguard our championship lead. I am approaching Mombasa leg with a lot of respect despite all the confidence generated from my back to back wins. The strategy in Mombasa Rally is like every other KNRC; really nothing different at all. We go out to do the best we possibly can. For now, we are just going through the cars after Safari, so they are mechanically fit. R5s will better through and through and there’s no comparison with Evos,” Chager said.

Ten points separate leader Chager and second-placed Carl 'Flash' Tundo with African Champion Manvir Baryan, who is placed third with 48 points after skipping the season opener in Nakuru. 

Chager, who has two wins under his belt, will be going for a hat-trick in Kilifi with Tundo fighting for his first win in the 2019 KNRC season.