Davite Giancarlo eager to improve his ARC ranking

ARC standing after round 2:Mohammed Essa (Zam) -27Jess Watson (Zim) -25Mark Cronje (SA) -25Davite Giancarlo (Rwa) -22Craig Green (Zim) -18Jan Habig (SA) -18Rwanda’s speedster Davite Giancarlo seeks to improve his ranking in the 2012 Africa Rally Championship series when he takes part in the Zambia International Rally that raced off yesterday in Lusaka.Giancarlo has not had good luck on Zambian soil following crashes in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, his car suffered a brake failure while gearbox problems were to blame for last year’s early exit.But he has had good start to this year’s season and looks forward to a more entertaining and triumphant race this time round.“I want to score as many points as possible so I can remain in contention for the ARC title,” the Italy-born rally ace told Times Sport.He added, “I am expecting a tough challenge from Mohammed Essa because he will be driving on home soil and he looks to be the main guy to beat this year.” With 22 points, the Rwandan driver is ranked fourth, just five points behind the ARC leader and the man to beat this weekend Essa (27 points). Zimbabwe’s Jess Watson and Mark Cronje of South Africa follow closely in second and third place, tied on 25 points each, while Craig Green of Zimbabwe rounds off the top five with 18 points.The three-day race counts as the third edition on the 2012 FIA African Rally Championship.Last year, Zimbabwe claimed a 1-2 finish with Conrad Rautenbach winning the race and Jamie Whyte finishing second. Mohammad Essa came third.This year’s event is similar to last year’s event although some stages have been changed. The Rally will run in the Farms of Chisamba, North of Lusaka. The course will cover a total distance of approximately 600 kms of which 254 kms is made up of Competitive sections. The Rally conditions are expected to be dry but cool.The Rally started with a Super Special Stage at Lusaka Motor Club yesterday. It moves to Chisamba which is about 50 kms due North of Lusaka this morning.The event finishes back in Lusaka at the Hotel Intercontinental on Sunday, May 13th.

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Davite Giancarlo eager to improve his ARC ranking