Toyota Zimbabwe Challenge Rally

Rautenbach accelerated his Ford Fiesta S2000 to finish all 16stages with the winning time of 159. 35 minutes ahead of countryman, Whyte (170. 13minutes) who was also the defending champion of the Toyota Zimbabwe Challenge Rally.

The 27-year-old drivers ambition of reaching his fathers record of winning the title four times came true this year with another celebration on the podium after his victory in 2005, 2006 and 2007. His father Billy was the winner of the Challenge Rally in 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1995.

Rautenbach and his French co-driver, Nicolas Klinger, were happy to make their Ford Fiesta S2000 one of the only six out of sixteen cars that completed the competition. The rest suffered mechanical problems that forced that out of the race.

It feels really great to win the Challenge. The weather was not really friendly; it was raining and we were bound to see problems with the car but we managed to pull through and record the best times in most of the stages, Rautenbach said.

Harares Donnybrook circuit presented the continental drivers with a unique stage, which was also a marvel to watch for the spectators. With most rallies having their spectator stages set up for two cars, the exceptional circuit at Donnybrook made way for three drivers racing in three loops covering the same distances.

Zambian pair of Muna Singh and David Sihoka told The Zimbabwean it gave a difference to the challenge.

It is certainly unique and it is great to race on because as we compete with other cars at the same time you know you have a yard stick in other cars beside you.