NAIROBI, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Zambian duo Jassy Singh and Leroy Gomes seek to dominate the Safari Rally, which will start on Friday in Nairobi.
The 50 million shilling (500,000 U.S. dollars) budget rally has attracted over 10 foreigners as it serves as a candidate event for the World Rally Championship (WRC) and a fourth round of the African Rally Championship (ARC).
Gomes, who is a leading contender in the ARC, said Thursday that he is excited to be back for the Safari after gracing last year's event.
"We are in high spirits with big smiles as we begin our journey to the Safari Rally in Kenya. Safari has always been a good event, a finish will be good for us," said Gomes, who is running a Ford Fiesta R5.
Gomes finished fourth during the ARC second round in South Africa York Rally and will seek to win in Nairobi to widen the point gap with Kenya's Manvir Baryan.
"I have a point to prove in the safari rally. Twice, I failed to win it and hopefully, I will be lucky on the third asking. But Safari rally is a long and tough motor event with tons of competition," he said.
Uganda has the biggest chunk of foreigners with eight entries and will be spearheaded by three-time champion Ronald Ssebuguzi and Duncan Mubiru both driving Mitsubishi Evolution 10 cars. Other drivers are from Rwanda, Belgium, Italy and Tanzania.
Ssebuguzi and his partner Leon Ssenyange tested their car in Kajiado town on Tuesday to get a feeling of the terrain.
Kepher Walubi and Christakis Fitidis of Uganda also exuded confidence. "We are done with final touches to the car and we now ready for the Safari Rally," said Fitidis.
England-based Hardev Sira is also bubbling with confidence driving a Ford Escort and will be among the top classic contenders in the Safari alongside former Kenyan champion Jonathan Somen and Raaji Bharij.
