Uganda, May 9 -- This year's Shell V-Power Pearl of Uganda Rally will largely come down to what Jas Mangat and Karan Patel will be able to do.

It is a continuation of the 2023 Africa Rally Championship which saw Kenya's Patel finish top for a maiden continental title.

Patel collected 144, three more than Uganda's Mangat. They must both relishing an opening shot in the three-day season opener starting Friday.

There is 35 other drivers entered for Uganda's biggest rally event happening in the districts of Buikwe and Jinja with 525.91km to grind.

The distance is split into 209.45km of competitive sections and 316.46km in transport.

Mangat has won this event twice - 2013 and 2022 - while cruising a Mitsubishi Evo. X. He has since upgrade...