Hinga optimistic of Mogotio showdown

By Feverpitch Reporter

Two-wheel drive leader, Charles Hinga, reckons the KCB Easy Pay Loan Rally will shape the Championship series at halfway stage in Mogotio today.

Thika’s KCB Micro Banking Rally was not a good outing for Hinga’s Toyota Levin, what with mechanical problems and unfamiliar sixth position.

"We broke the LSD (limited slip differential) unit. We have since fitted another one. It needs a bit more testing before we can confirm it is fine," Hinga who leads the 2WD with 51 points said. Hinga was precise with the performance of Toyota Levins and VW Golfs that make up the bulk of entries at Formula Two.

"The Mogotio route is balanced, unlike Thika where the VW Golfs outdid the Levins. All the same, the Levins are still on the lower side as they are 1600cc compared to the VW’s, which are 1800cc.

"You really have to push the Levin to get something out of it. But it’s fun to drive," Hinga said, adding: "The Golfs are moving faster. I hope we have not become slower or maybe we are a bit more cautious this time round trying to avoid a situation like where we rolled last year."

Hinga singles out 2009 KCB Safari Rally winner Jasmeet Chana and Leo Varese as his main opponents.

"Chana is near in terms of points. I have to work hard to keep him at bay. Leo is also close," Hinga added.

Hinga says he pushed hard in the first section in Mogotio last year hoping things would be better. "Afterwards, we realised Chana was not there," he said.