AFTER all the stimulating hype and anticipation for Rwanda’s oldest rallying event, action proper gets underway today when the 24th edition of Rallye de Huye 2009 rolls off.

The clerk of the course Christian Gakwaya has tipped rally fans to expect a moving event after noting that the roads are perfect.

"Drivers should have a fantastic race because the roads are conducive for rally,” he said.

The 387km event is spread over two days with nine competitive sections. 

Day one covers six competitive sections covering 143.90km. Nyakizu –Matyazo is the day’s longest section (50km).

On Sunday, drivers will compete in three competitive sections where Nyakizu –Matyazo will still be the longest section. The entire event will have 247.80km in competitive section.

Eight drivers have entered the two-day event, which also counts as the first event on the 2009 National Rally Championship calendar.

National champion Davite Giancarlo leads the pack that also includes top drivers like Olivier Costa, last year’s champion Valery Bukera and Elefter Mitraros among others.

Giancarlo walks into the event on the back of a breathtaking drive in Uganda.

The Italian – born driver pumped some life into his African Rally Championship (ARC) after a fourth spot finish in the KCB Pearl of Africa rally and is desperate to build on that performance as he starts his title defense.

Before the start this afternoon, the cars will under go a scrutineering exercise in the morning. Quick Auto is the title sponsor for Rallye du Huye.

Ends