Vohra and Sturrock Make Day One of Rally International du Burundi 2025 Look Like a Sunday Drive

By Mwambazi Lawrence

Samman Vohra and co-driver Drew Sturrock delivered a masterclass performance on day one of the Rally International du Burundi 2025, winning all nine stages in commanding fashion. Behind the wheel of their Skoda Fabia, the pair clocked a blistering total time of 1:14:52, building a massive 7 minutes 38 seconds lead over their closest rivals.

Second place? That’s where ARC leaders Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba parked their Ford Fiesta R5, playing it safer They weren’t out to fight Vohra’s pace  they were out to collect those sweet championship points. Call it “cruise control with purpose.” If they keep this up, the ARC crown might as well start practising how to sit on Yasin’s head.

Burundi’s own Roshnali Mohammed, co-driven by Bigirimana Christophe, thrilled the home crowd by securing third overall in their Subaru Impreza GVB. They ended the day with a time of 1:28:29, placing them ahead of another Subaru crew  Massoud Fahd and Yunus Mohamed who enjoyed a trouble-free run to fourth with 1:31:26.

Rounding off the top five is Faidah Philbert and Guy Malherbe in a Subaru Impreza, finishing in 1:34:26, while Valery Bokera and Khetia Nital trail just behind in sixth place, piloting their Subaru N12.

Day1 Results Top 10

1. Samman Vohra /Drew Sturrock- 1:14.52
2. Yasin Naser / Ali Katumba -1:22.30
3. Mohammed Roshanali/ Bigirimana Christophe -1:28.29
4. Massoud Fahd/ Yunus Mohamed- 1:31.26
5. Faida Philbert/ Guy Malherbe- 1:34.26
6. Valery Bokera/ Khetia Nital-1:53.22
7. Nkurunziza Lionel/ Muremeshangabo  Armel-2:14.07
8. Awandin Alim/ Ndibandetse Cedric – 2:15.39
9. Awikunda D Prime/ Musafiri Charly- 2:16.28
10. Azaad Adeel/Haem Alexandre -2:19.38

Tomorrow, six competitive stages remain, and while Vohra seems to be in a different galaxy entirely, rallying has a nasty habit of turning heroes into spare-parts collectors in seconds. The big question isn’t whether anyone can catch him  it’s whether the rest of the field can survive the day without their cars throwing a mechanical tantrum..

About The Author

Mwambazi

Mwambazi Lawrence is a passionate motorsport writer and an intrepid co-driver, fearlessly tackling the rugged landscapes of Uganda’s racing circuits. His immersive experiences fuel his storytelling, allowing him to weave exhilarating narratives that resonate with the pulse of the race. With a keen eye for detail and a love for speed, Lawrence brings the excitement of motorsport to life, inviting readers to join him on a thrilling journey through the world of motorsport.

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