Rally ace Ssebuguzi in late route recce

Jul 11, 2012

Jomayi Property Consultants driver, Ronald Ssebuguzi, who did not go reccing over the weekend, hits the route in Luwero today together with the international crews.

By Douglas Mazune

Having crashed out of the previous edition of the Shell Pearl of Africa Rally, Ronald Ssebuguzi was bound to be among the cautious drivers who tactically prefer to do route reccing last.

The Jomayi Property Consultants driver who did not go reccing over the weekend, hits the route in Luwero today together with the international crews.

“My co-driver (Cedric Buzabo) was not available over the weekend. Our request to delay route reccing wasn’t tactical at all,” Ssebuguzi told New Vision with a hearty laugh.

Doing recce last is advantageous in case rain or any unforeseen conditions change the road surface.

Ponsiano Lwakataka (Subaru N8), Wycliff Bukenya (Mitsubishi Evo9) and Shafiq Ssemujju (Subaru N11) also requested to go route reccing today.

Rwandans Christakis Fitidis (Subaru N 12) and Elefter Mitraros (Subaru N12) who hold Ugandan licenses also opted to go today.

Ssebuguzi predicted stiff competition amongst local and international crews given the unfamiliar route.

“The entry list has Jas Mangat, Fitidis, Ponsiano Lwakataka and Mohammed Essa. Who of them would you undermine? It’s a tough race as usual. We pray for a bit of luck as well,” Ssebuguzi stated.

Zambian Essa, who leads the Africa championship, Rwanda’s Davite Giancarlo and Kenyan Jaspreet Chathe and Ben Muchemi were expected in Kampala yesterday in time for recce.

The race that is the fifth round of the African Rally Championship, will start with a super special stage at Lubiri on Friday and competitors will traverse areas around Busiika and Zirobwe in Nakaseke district over the next two days.

Shell are the main sponsors.

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