By SANDRA MWILA-
MOHAMMAD Essa yesterday left for Rwanda, confident of winning the fifth round of African Rally Championship (ARC) that revs off on Friday and ends on Sunday in Kigali.
Essa said in an interview before departure that he was targeting a first place finish despite anticipating stiff competition from other drivers taking part in the rally.
The former African champion said winning the rally will boost his chances of reclaiming the continental title, adding that he would also rely on his experience to ensure he accumulates maximum points hoping other contenders crumble in his quest to take over leadership.
Essa is currently third on the ARC drivers standing 50 points, eight behind joint leaders Garry Chanynes of Ivory Coast and Kenya’s Jaspreet Chatthe, who are tied on 58 points.
“The Rwanda rally will be crucial for me because I need to earn more points and possibly take over the leadership of the ARC. It would be a tough race but I am confident of doing well so that I can reclaim the title,” he said.
Essa said a good performance in the remaining legs set for Uganda and Madagascar can see him win the title.
“Not all hope is lost for me in winning the ARC because I am familiar with all the countries terrains. All I have to do is gain as many points by winning the remaining rallies,” Essa said.
Meanwhile, Essa said he had worked on his Subaru Impressa N10 that developed a fault during the Tanzanian Rally when the suspension broke.
“The car is ready and in good condition and I am looking forward to the rally,” said the former Zambian champion.