Rally driver Giancarlo Davite, famously renowned for his daring driving speed prowess in his “Omulette” Subaru Impreza N12, has confirmed that he has taken an indefinite break from the sport. Giancarlo Davite. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Sport, the former Rwanda national rally champion revealed that, “I have decided to take break from racing to concentrate on other issues.” The driver’s decision to take a break from the sport was based on the one-year ban imposed on him early this year by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) barring him from competing in any local or continental competition. When asked about the ban, the Gianca Rally Team driver replied: “I don’t think Rwanda Automobile Club is fair, because all decisions are made by one person.” “But I would rather not discuss that topic; a number of reasons were given as why they made the decision (to ban me). However, RAC spokesperson, Francois Cyatangabo revealed that the decision to ban the driver for one year was because of indiscipline and use of abusive language towards (RAC) officials. “It’s the General Assembly that decided to ban Davite, after all the members signed a petition, and if he does not fulfill what he was demanded to do, a further punishment will be imposed on him,” Cyatangabo explained. He added: “Discipline is a key in our sport, we cannot tolerate such behavior in Rwandan motorsport fraternity, and he has to change his behaviors. If Davite has issues with RAC, he should not involve other drivers.” RAC also claims that the former national rally champion sabotaged last year’s Rallye des Milles Collines, when, he allegedly tried to argue other drivers not to take part in the event. However, the Italian-Rwandan driver denies the allegations. When contacted, RAC president, Christian Gakwaya refused to make any comment about the driver’s ban or his decision to take a break. Major blow With the 2015 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally scheduled to take place from August 12-14, the absence of Gianca Rally Team, will be a major blow to the event and the organizers. Other drivers like Christakis Fitidis have opted to compete in the Uganda National Rally Championship while Elefter Mitrarose seems to have lost his appetite to race. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
