The 7th edition of the Rwanda International Mountain Gorilla rally set for May 30-June 1 is estimated to cost Frw. 12 millions according to the local automobile club (RAC).

The RAC Secretary General Salim Abdulgani told Times Sport that this year’s edition budget was reduced from Frw 45m to Frw 12m after the event was cancelled from the African Rally championship.

"We had initially budgeted Frw. 45 millions for participation in the African rally Championship but costs were reduced since it was down graded to a national calendar event," Abdulgani said.

"The estimated budget will cater for air tickets, accommodation, internal transport and prizes" Abdulgani said.

Five foreigner drivers have confirmed their participation in this year’s Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally.

They Belgian pair of Marc Verdin and Baugnee, Uganda’s Jas Mangat, Burundi’s Valéry Bukera and Alain Dethise. Mangat is ranked 4th with eight points .

The national rally champion Rudy Cantanhede who leads the Rwandan contingent is set to renew rivalry with Mangat.

The pair last met in the Tanzania’s first leg of the African rally championship. Rudy finished seventh while Mangat finished second.

Rwanda Gorilla Rally points will only count for the national championship after it was canceled off the ARC calendar due to lack of sponsorship.

The 192km event will be bank rolled by SN Brussels, East African Cargo, Sonafi, Hotel La Palisee Nyandugu, Rwanda Motors, Akagera Motors and Sonatube.

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