KCB Racing Team will field five crews at the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally as the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) heads into another crucial round on 10–12 July 2026.
The event has attracted 19 confirmed crews from across Africa, setting the stage for a highly competitive contest that could significantly influence the championship standings. Leading KCB’s charge is championship leader Karan Patel, who will once again be navigated by Tauseef Khan. The pair heads to Kigali in a confident mood after an outstanding start to the 2026 season. Patel currently tops the ARC standings with 83 points. He secured a third consecutive Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally title earlier this year while also collecting maximum ARC points at the Safari Rally Kenya, strengthening his championship lead.
Joining the KCB contingent are Nikhil Sachania alongside Deep Patel, Tinashe Gatimu with Caroline Gatimu, Oscar Ntambi partnered by his long-time navigator Muhamadi Uthumaan, and Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, who will compete alongside experienced co-driver and mechanic Olivier Ngabo.
Speaking ahead of the rally, Patel said: “We have had good momentum this season, and the team has worked hard to prepare the car for Rwanda. The goal is to stay consistent, manage the stages well, and fight for maximum points. We know the competition will be tough, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
Kalimpinya heads into her home event encouraged by an impressive performance at the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally. Driving her Subaru Impreza WRX STI, she finished second in the ARC2 category, claimed second place in the ARC Junior category, and placed 12th overall in the continental standings. She believes competing on familiar terrain presents another opportunity to deliver a strong result.
“Competing at home is always special. The support from Rwandan fans gives me extra motivation, and we are determined to build on our performance in Uganda. We have prepared well, and we will be pushing for another strong finish,” noted Queen.
Activities begin on Friday, 10 July, at the Kigali Convention Centre. Crews will complete Free Practice before taking part in the Shakedown and the Qualifying Stage, which will determine road positions. The day’s programme will conclude with the ceremonial start later in the evening. Competitive action moves to the gravel roads of Bugesera District on Saturday, 11 July.
Drivers will tackle long, high-speed endurance stages that are expected to test both speed and reliability. The rally concludes on Sunday, 12 July, with the remaining Bugesera stages. The decisive Power Stage will offer valuable bonus championship points before the overall winners are crowned at the podium ceremony.
