Rwanda’s speedster Olivier Costa proved that he will be a force to reckon with over the next two days after a credible performance in yesterday’s grueling super special stage of the KCB Pearl of Africa Uganda rally.

The Rwandan driver navigated by Olivier Meganck in a Subaru Impreza N11 clocked 5 minutes and 10 seconds in the 2.2 km circuit to finish eighth out of 27 drivers.

"It’s a good start for me and I hope to keep going over the next two days,” Costa told Times Sport shortly after the circuit.

Two-time champion Riyaz Kurji (Uganda) led the way with 4 minutes, 34 seconds- enjoying an 18 seconds margin over Zimbabwe’s Jamie Whyte who finished second.

Uganda’s Ronald Sebuguzi and Lola Verlaque of Zambia tied in third place after clocking 5 minutes and 2 seconds while two-time FIA Africa Rally Champion Muna Singh wrapped up the top five slots after clocking 5 minutes and 3 seconds.

Rwanda’s national rally champion Davite Giancarlo has remained optimistic despite a weak start.

Giancarlo could only manage a 14th spot finish after clocking 5 minutes and 46 seconds but insisted that there was room for a quick come back.

Today, the cars head to Mityana in what could determine the eventual winner.

Ends