In the upcoming 2024 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, scheduled for October 18-20, BPR Bank and KCB Group racing team driver Karan Patel, along with his navigator Tauseef Khan, are preparing for a standout performance. This annual rally, covering routes across Kigali and Bugesera, is a key event in the African Rally Championship (ARC). Patel currently leads the African Championship with 105 points, and winning the Rwandan race could see him retain the continental championship as two of his top challengers—including Ugandan Jas Mangat (28 points) and his countryman Hamza Anwar (24 points)—won’t participate in Kigali. ALSO READ: 2023: When Rwanda’s motorsport saw the light With only two rounds remaining in the season, Patel is poised to defend his title as the reigning African Rally Champion. His commanding win in the fourth leg of the championship in Burundi saw him complete the race in 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 45 seconds. The duo, driving a Skoda Fabia R5, has won three races in Uganda, Zambia, and Burundi. Patel expressed his gratitude to the team’s sponsors, saying, “I want to thank BPR Bank and KCB Group for always supporting us. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. ALSO READ: Uniting the Greens: How BPR Bank is teaming up for community, sports, and sustainability “Rwanda feels like home for us, and every time we’re here, we’re excited to be part of this iconic competition. It brings together people from different walks of life to enjoy motorsports. We know this track well and can’t wait to compete against some of the best rally drivers in the region,” he said. Speaking about the unique challenges of the Rwandan rally, Patel said, “The rally here is quite smooth, even though we’re on gravel and dusty roads. Last year, it was a bit wet, and we’re looking forward to similar conditions.” He also shared his excitement about the tarmac stage at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), saying, “Driving on the tarmac at the KCC is really interesting. We don’t get to do that much, and with crowds gathered around, it’s great to show some flamboyant driving and build up the excitement.” Albert Akimanzi, Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs, and Citizenship at BPR Bank Rwanda, explained the bank’s commitment to motorsport, noting KCB Group’s long-standing involvement in rally racing. “KCB Group has been involved in rallying for over 15 years, and for BPR Bank, this is our second participation in the Mountain Gorilla Rally. Even before the merger with BPR Bank, KCB Bank Rwanda was heavily invested in motorsport. Beyond sponsorship, we’ve been dedicated to supporting sports in Rwanda for a long time,” he said. Akimanzi emphasised that the sponsorship extends beyond motorsport, providing a valuable opportunity for community engagement. “This is another step in our investment to build awareness around motorsport, just like we do with other sports. “It’s a fantastic way to connect with the community. As we cheer on our drivers, we’ll also engage with residents along the rally route and explore how BPR Bank can continue investing in these communities,” he said. He added: “On behalf of the bank, I want to wish the best of luck to our drivers. I’m confident they will not only enjoy the race but also bring home a win this weekend, which is a great testament to our brand and organisation.”
