Defending champion Karan Patel narrowly leads Rally Zambia, setting the stage for a thrilling and uncertain conclusion to the competition.
Defending champion Karan Patel from Kenya seized the lead on the first day of the highly anticipated 2023 Zambia International Rally.
Piloting his Ford Fiesta R5 with precision and flair, Karan, a Red Bull athlete, left spectators in awe with his stellar performance in the opening stages of this gripping competition.
![Karan Patel survives scare in Zambia pre-rally practice](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/20102023/29702379-77e2-466a-a94a-c7241a4f9268.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
19:00 - 20.10.2023
MOTORSPORTS Karan Patel survives scare in Zambia pre-rally practice
Karan Patel's pre-rally roll in Zambia adds drama to the African Rally Championship showdown, with only six points separating top contenders
Although Karan faced a 21-second deficit in the challenging SS3 stage, he quickly bounced back by dominating several other sections of the race.
After a grueling day of intense racing, Karan emerged as the overnight leader, holding a slender lead of just one second, with a total time of 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 17 seconds.
![Butterflies in tummy: Karan Patel's nervous excitement ahead of Rally Zambia showdown with Gomes](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/20102023/5349daf4-abbd-4af4-b903-c42a06a0aaf5.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:32 - 20.10.2023
MOTORSPORTS Butterflies in tummy: Karan Patel's nervous excitement ahead of Rally Zambia showdown with Gomes
Kenyan champ Karan Patel faces fierce rivals, including Zambian favorite Leroy Gomes, in a nail-biting ARC showdown that could redefine championship standings.
His closest rival, Leroy Gomes, trailed closely behind with a time of 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 18 seconds, making for an electrifying battle at the front.
Jas Mangat secured the third position with a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 48 seconds, keeping the competition fierce in the top ranks.
![Karan Patel faces uphill battle as Yasin Nasser reveals new co-driver for Rally Zambia](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/18102023/adce235b-44c0-4894-86a5-07af550dab17.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:10 - 18.10.2023
MOTORSPORTS Karan Patel faces uphill battle as Yasin Nasser reveals new co-driver for Rally Zambia
Defending champ Karan Patel faces tough challenge from Yasin Nasser in Zambia Rally as Nasser leads ARC standings by three points.
The remarkable feat achieved by Karana on the first day of the rally is made even more astonishing by the fact that he almost withdrew from the event during the practice runs.
Karan faced a harrowing moment during the practice when he rolled his Ford Fiesta, but his technical team was able to restore the car. He managed to qualify for the next round; however, at one point, dust blocked his vision, causing him to lose some precious time.
![Karan Patel gears up for epic clash with Ugandans in Rally Zambia showpiece](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/13102023/566d61c7-2a5b-4148-b95e-ddac7c19ae45.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
14:40 - 13.10.2023
MOTORSPORTS Karan Patel gears up for epic clash with Ugandans in Rally Zambia showpiece
Karan Patel aims for Africa Rally Championship victory, holding second place with two rounds left, including the pivotal Rally Zambia.
Meanwhile, the local favorite, Leroy Gomes, exhibited his prowess by setting the fastest time during the qualifying stage, edging out Yasin Nasser by just one second.
Yasin Nasser, who currently leads the African Rally Championship (ARC) standings, finds himself in a fierce battle with Patel, with only three points separating the two competitors.
![Kenyan champion Karan Patel charged up ahead of Safari Rally return](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15062023/77a91a10-fa77-44a7-b7ed-2c038903d203.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
05:00 - 16.06.2023
MOTORSPORTS Kenyan champion Karan Patel charged up ahead of Safari Rally return
Patel returns to the Safari Rally after a disappointing outing in 2021.
Jas Mangat, currently in third place, is six points adrift from the leader, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the remaining rounds of the ARC.
The Zambia Rally is poised to play a pivotal role in determining the eventual ARC champion as the competition heads into its final round next month.
With seven competitive stages scheduled for Sunday, the rally will have covered a total distance of 204.23 kilometers over the two days.