African drivers start their quest for this year’s African Rally Championship title this month when they take part in Rally of Tanzania, the first event on the 2009 ARC calendar.

The rally is scheduled for February 20-22 and Davite Giancarlo, last year’s national rally champion is likely to be one of those drivers shaping up for the event.

After a successful 2008 season, Giancarlo told Times Sport that he was pondering a move to the big stage (2009 African Rally Championship).

"If I get enough sponsorship, my next move is to compete in the ARC. It is a big championship and any driver longs to give it a try some day” he said.

Giancarlo broke his seven-year wait by winning last year’s championship after beating off competition from Tony Saegerman and Olivier Costa.

It was a commendable effort from the Italian who spent seven years as a bridesmaid (in the shadows) of Rudy Cantanhede (2007 & 2006), Elefter Mitraros (2005) and Tony Saegerman (2004) among others.

Giancarlo claimed his maiden championship title after winning Rallye de l’Est, the second last round on the championship.

The African Rally Championship (ARC) is an internationally recognized automobile event organised by the FIA, the world motorsport governing body.

The championship, first held in 1981 was won by Shekhar Mehta.

Japanese Hideaki Miyoshi is the reigning champion after beating off stiff competition from Zimbabwe’s Jamie Whyte.

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