This weekend’s Sasol Rally (19-21 June) could turn out to be the crucial championship decider, and Sasol Volkswagen Golf pilots, Jan Habig and Enzo Kuun, are going all out to ensure that they stay in the hunt. –
– With Serge Damseaux having won the last two events, it is up to the defending champion especially to conjure up a stirring performance to revive his championship chances. Habig finished second at the recent Cape Rally, holding on to second overall in the championship behind Damseaux, in his Sasol DualFuel Volkswagen Golf 4. –
– The Sasol Rally is a home rally of sorts for Habig and Kuun as the oil giant also sponsors the blue team. –
– Last year Sasol Volkswagen totally dominated to take the top three podium positions and Sasol will be looking for more of the same this year. On that occasion, Kuun finished ahead of Hergen Fekken and Tjaart van der Walt, while Habig had to retire a few stages from the end when he hit a rock and broke a drive shaft. Notoriously meticulous, Habig is unlikely to leave anything to chance, as a win will put him in a good position to put pressure on his chief rival at the top. “We were on pace and even faster at times at the Toyota Dealer Rally last month, and our engineers have worked even harder at ensuring reliability. A few more horses are available which puts us in a stronger position than earlier on in the season. We are fully aware that the opposition is working equally hard to stay on top, so a titanic battle is expected,” said Habig. –
– The Sasol Rally is one of Enzo Kuun’s favourite events, and he is keen to repeat last year’s performance. “After two non-finishes this season, a win is a must if we are to have a decent shot at the overall championship. It is never over until the fat lady sings, and with five rounds to go, anything can happen. It would be really exciting to have a blue whitewash at the podium, and if it happens we want to be at the top of it. It will be fitting for the sponsors as well,” added Kuun. –
– Fekken and Van der Walt have had a disappointing season thus far, and will be hoping to put their poor luck behind them. The misfires on their Sasol DualFuel Polo Playas have been cured, but reliability remains a concern. Every driver and team seem to perform beyond themselves at the Sasol however, and it will come as little surprise if they pose a serious challenge to Etienne Lourens. –
– The latter has been on a vitriolic charge this season, giving the more powerful A8 cars a run for their money. –
– Dreadlock youngster Gugulethu Zulu (Sasol DualFuel Volkswagen Chico) tasted Class A5 success in the Western Cape, and seems eager to keep that momentum going. “The win in Cape Town has given me so much confidence. I can’t wait to don my helmet and tackle the stages again. It’s going to be difficult but it’s worth every shot. Dave and I are on a high at the moment and are aiming for yet another podium finish,” said Zulu. –
– The Volkswagen Class A5 challenge is looking particularly strong, with Stephen Flockhart also high on the list of contenders, as is Nkosinathi Nzimande in the second Sasol Chico. –
– Volkswagen South Africa is sponsoring the enthralling “Golf GTI Gas” stage at 21h00 on Friday evening in White River. Not to be missed!! –
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