The 2026 Rally of Iringa is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated rounds of the Tanzania National Rally Championship, with major driver changes, new machinery, and title ambitions all converging on the demanding gravel roads of Iringa this weekend.
At the center of attention is reigning Tanzania National Rally Champion Manveer Birdi, who arrives at the event with a fresh weapon. After suffering back-to-back disappointments in Uganda, where technical problems forced him out of both the Guru Nanak Rally and the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in his Mitsubishi Evo 9, Birdi and the ASAS Rally Team have made a bold statement.
In its place comes the Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo, one of the most competitive rally cars in East Africa. The car, previously associated with strong regional performances, represents a significant step forward in performance, reliability, and championship intent.
The official unveiling was done on Wednesday, June but all eyes will be on Birdi when he takes the Fabia Evo into competitive action for the first time in Iringa.
For a driver who has endured frustration in recent events, this rally presents an opportunity to reset the season and send a message to his rivals.
If there is one man expected to challenge Birdi from the opening stage, it is Ahmed Huwel.
The Tanzanian star has established himself as one of the fastest drivers in the country and arrives in Iringa determined to protect his championship ambitions. Armed with his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, Huwel has consistently demonstrated both speed and maturity this season.
The prospect of a direct battle between Birdi’s new Skoda Fabia Evo and Huwel’s Toyota Yaris Rally2 has rally fans excited. On paper, the two machines are closely matched, but rallies are won on roads, not spec sheets. Iringa’s rough and technical stages will test driver confidence, tyre management, and mechanical durability. One mistake could decide the outcome.
The Birdi family story continues to evolve while Manveer headlines the event with the new Fabia Evo, his brother Randeep Birdi also enters Iringa with upgraded machinery.
Randeep has made the switch from the Mitsubishi Evo 9 to the Ford Fiesta Proto, another significant step forward in competitiveness. Running under the ASAS Rally Team banner, the brothers now possess machinery capable of challenging for podium positions and stage victories.
The possibility of both Birdi brothers fighting near the front adds another fascinating storyline to the weekend, beyond the battle for victory, Rally of Iringa could prove to be a turning point in the championship.
A win for Birdi would instantly justify the move to the Fabia Evo and place him firmly back into title contention.
A victory for Huwel would strengthen his championship position and reinforce his status as the man to beat in Tanzania.
The ingredients are all there, champions with a new car, a title rival in top form, country’s stars in motorsport looking to make a statement. A competitive field capable of producing surprises, the roads of Iringa have a history of rewarding bravery and punishing mistakes. By Sunday afternoon, one driver will leave with momentum, confidence, and a major boost in the championship race.
This weekend, Tanzania’s rally fans are about to find out.
