Ugandan rally co-driver Moses Matovu survived a typically harsh and difficult KCB Safari Rally as he guided fellow Ugandan Emmanuel Katto to a top ten overall finish back in Nairobi last Sunday.

The pair, who are contesting the full FIA African Rally Championship in a Tommi Makinen prepared Subaru Impreza N14, are still adapting to the new car and the rough nature of the Safari Rally, once tagged as the world’s toughest rally certainly proved quite a test for both machinery and crew.

After putting on a show to thousands of cheering spectators in central Nairobi during Friday’s super special, the real action began on Saturday. Six stages based around Lake Elmenteita saw the Katto/ Matovu partnership struggle as the Subaru developed overheating problems. With both crew being seasoned rally competitors they took the problems in their stride and completed the opening day on the fringes on the top ten.

An overnight radiator change helped to cure the overheating issues and the pair agreed to try and gain a couple of positions on Sunday’s seven stages, all run around the Athi River area. However, after a couple of ‘moments’ on the opening stage, the pair opted to consolidate their position and focus on African Championship points, eventually returning to Nairobi fifth overall amongst the African Rally Championship registered crews.

Moses was philosophical at the finish; every time I tackle the Safari Rally I am again reminded of how tough and savage the event is. Even the best preparations can quickly go wrong and this rally is all about survival. We are still learning the car and I’m confident that when we head home to Uganda we will be back on the pace.

Emmanuel and Moses will head to round three of the ARC, the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, lying second overall in the championship. Whilst the rally, based in Kampala, might be their home event the pair crashed out of a strong second position during the 2008 running and will be keen to make amends.

For more on the team please visit www.emkarally.com

Current standings after two rounds.

Jamie Whyte/ Phil Archenoul (ZW)            Subaru Impreza        20 pts
Emmanuel Katto/ Moses Matovu (EAU)    Subaru Impreza        12 pts
Muna Singh/ David Shioka (Z)                  Subaru Impreza          8 pts

Story by Special Reporter Geoff Mayes