By KPC Sports Correspondent
Reigning African Rally Champion Yasin Nasser is taking a cautious route as he seeks redemption at this weekend’s Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, following a frustrating outing in Kenya.
Backed by home support in Mbarara, Nasser is aiming to rebuild momentum in the 2026 African Rally Championship standings, where he currently sits 10th after a setback at the WRC Safari Rally Kenya.
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A mechanical hiccup forced him into a Super Rally restart, costing him valuable points in the title race led by Karan Patel, Aakif Virani, Samman Vohra, and Jasmeet Chana.
Despite the disappointment, Nasser remains composed and focused on the bigger picture—finishing the rally and collecting crucial points.
“As usual we are always ready, but rallying is unpredictable,” he said during scrutineering at Shell Makenke.
“For the Pearl Rally, the goal is simple: finish the event and get points, whatever position that may be.”
The Ugandan star, who made history last year as the country’s first ARC champion since Charles Muhangi in 1999, acknowledged that this year’s rally presents a fresh test.
Reconnaissance runs revealed largely new stages, characterized by high speeds and technical sections that demand precision as much as pace.
“All the routes are different, quite fast and tricky,” he noted. “It’s not just about going flat out—this time, it’s about being smart.”
Action gets underway on Thursday, May 7, with qualifying and free practice sessions, followed by the shakedown and a ceremonial start at Lake View Resort.
The rally then unfolds over two competitive legs on Friday and Saturday, before concluding with prize giving later that evening.
