Edwin Otieno

Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo navigated by Timothy Jessop in a Minti Motorsports UK sponsored VW Polo R5 secured his maiden victory of Rally Tanzania to extend his lead on the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC).

This was Tundo’s second win of the season in the R5 car after emerging the winner at the Equator Rally in April. 

Tundo also scored World Rally Championships (WRC) overall and WRC3 points in the same car on returning 9th overall on Safari Rally Kenya on June 27.

On his way to victory in Tanzania, Tundo beat compatriot Karan Patel (Ford Fiesta R5) and Ugandan reigning champion Yasin Nasser (Subaru N12) to the podium dash.

Tundo and Karan won five stages apiece in an event that was organised by Automobile Association of Tanzania.

South African Guy Boltteril driving a Toyota Yaris came fourth and as such loses the joint lead he had shared with Tundo prior to Tanzania.

Fifth on the podium was WRC/FIA Rally Star Program youngster Jeremy Wahome navigated by Victor Okundi. This was Jeremy’s second career event after finishing 16th at the WRC Safari Rally last month. 

Another WRC/FIA Rally Star Program driver McRae Kimathi navigated by Shameer Yusuf in a Ford Fiesta R3  came 13th overall in a time of 02:35:27.

FIA Rally Star is a programme designed to showcase the talent and determination of the Candidates.

The program in the  East African region currently has three drivers including Hamza Anwar.

Issa Amwari of Kenya finished sixth navigated by former Two Wheel Champion Dennis Mwenda.

The top Tanzanian in the race was Gurpal Sandhu in 7th position navigated by Dave Sihoka in a Mitsubishi Evolution X.