By KPC Sports Reporter
Kenya’s Aakif Virani is recalibrating his approach ahead of his debut at the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, after reconnaissance runs revealed a vastly different challenge from the terrain he is used to back home.
Speaking from Mbarara, Virani said the rally’s high-speed stages have forced a significant rethink in car setup.
While a couple of sections resemble Kenya’s Sleeping Warrior and Loldia routes, the majority are long, fast stretches—demanding a shift in both strategy and machine.
“It’s our first time in Uganda and it’s quite welcoming—the people are hospitable and passionate,” he said. “But the stages are much faster than what we’re used to, so we’ve had to adjust the car quite considerably.”
The Kenyan driver, who has a National Rally Championship win in Nanyuki, heads into the event in strong form, currently sitting second in the FIA African Rally Championship standings behind Karan Patel.
His Pearl Rally debut now presents both a test of adaptability and an opportunity to close the gap at the top.
Preparations are already in full swing in Mbarara, with teams wrapping up reconnaissance and turning attention to final technical checks.
Scrutineering, installation of tracking devices, and sealing procedures have been completed at Shell Makenke.
The rally action shifts up a gear on Thursday, May 7, with qualifying and free practice sessions in the morning, followed by the shakedown at midday.
The ceremonial start will then roll out from Lake View Resort later in the evening.
Competitive action unfolds across Friday and Saturday, with two demanding legs set to test crews’ pace and endurance.
The event will conclude with post-event scrutineering and a prize-giving ceremony at Lake View Resort, bringing the curtain down on what promises to be a thrilling Pearl Rally edition.