The Ugandan Crew of Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba is out to break the WRC Safari Rally jinx. The Moil Rally Team on three outings, to the have been at WRC Safari Rally, has not seen the finishing line.
On their debut when the WRC Safari Rally returned to Kenya in 2021 after over 19 years when it had been scrapped off the world stage, the only Ugandan crew that had passed the tight scrutiny of WRC standards in Subaru Impreza GBV bowed out with an engine knock.
In 2022, competing in the same car, the crew faced several mechanical gremlins; thus, even after trying to fix the car, they never continued on day two.
Last year(2024), in their newly acquired M-Sport UK prepared Ford Fiesta R5 “NEMO”, they had their finishing hopes blown into the air when they rolled and wrote off their car in the popular Fresh Fresh, Kedong Stage of Day Two.
After testing the car today (Wednesday) at Garuga, Entebbe, Nasser sounded optimistic ahead of his travel to the WRC Safari Rally.
What’s expected on return to WRC Safari Rally?
According to Yasin Nasser, the team has prepared well and will be committing 99 per cent to get the results.
“We are competing as a WRC2 crew, though registered to score on the African Rally Championship, our main target is to be extra careful to finish,” explained Nasser.
He added that they would decide their 2025 ARC fate on whether to fully contend for this year’s title after Safari Rally.
“Mentally, we are prepared; everybody has put in a lot to this, to ably get all the results we want,” intimated Nasser.
He further explained that their sponsors, Moil Energies, have played a pivotal role in seeing them return to their footing with a completely rebuilt car.
“We are glad and humbled by our sponsors, fans, and the media who have supported us all through,” noted the two-time Ugandan National Rally Champion.
Safety Message
As many fans and officials plan to travel to Kenya for the WRC Safari Rally, Nasser encouraged them not to drink and drive.
“On stages, kindly observe rules and regulations, respect all marshals deployed, it’s for your safety while you enjoy,” emphasised Nasser.
The Moil Crew is among the 39 that have confirmed participation in the third round of the 2025 World Rally Championship, which will double as the first round of the 2025 African Rally Championship.
The other Ugandan crew is Timothy Gawaya and Francis Wamala who will be making their debut at the WRC Safari Rally.
The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 is scheduled to take place from Thursday, March 20th to Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of the event:
- Date: March 20-23, 2025
- Location: Kenya
- Event Type: WRC Safari Rally and African Rally Championship 2025
- Stages: 19 special stages, covering a total competitive distance of 355.92 km
- Service Park: Naivasha, Kenya
The rally promises to be an exciting and challenging event with drivers facing rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and stunning African landscapes.
