DAVITE Giancarlo will start his National Rally Championship title defense with Rallye de Huye this weekend. The event, spinning in its 24th edition will cover 387km spread over two days.

Giancarlo’s major challenge is expected to come from Olivier Costa and the Burundi-based Valery Bukera.

Costa in particular has had a descent run on the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) where he currently ranks fourth (9.5 points) after impressive performances in Tanzania (Kobil Rally of Tanzania) and Uganda (KCB Pearl of Africa rally).

Just like Giancarlo, the pair will drive Subarus. Other drivers in contention include Elefter Mitraros (Subaru), Christakis Fitidis (Mitsubishi), Saidi ‘Mwanamayi’ Twizeyimana (Mitsubishi), Gratien Rutabingwa (Peugeot) and Johnny Murengezi (Subaru).

The event will also be spiced up with a motocross competition that will pit four riders Robert Vincent, Robert Daniel, Cox Nathalie.

It is the first time motocross will be staged in Rwanda in over seven years. Motocross is a form of motorcycle sport or all-terrain vehicle racing held on enclosed off road circuits.

Rallye de Huye, also the oldest motorsport event in Rwanda will kick start this year’s national calendar that has been hampered by bad weather.

Rallye du Nord and two rally sprints were called off due to bad weather.

Ends