Vivo Energy has today announced a sponsorship of UGX250 million towards this year’s annual Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, slated for 6 to 8 May.
The announcement was made at Shell Bugolobi in Kampala and the event was graced by officials from Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), Vivo Energy officials and Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works & Transport.
The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally Uganda is one of the main motorsport events in Uganda. It is part of the National Rally Championship and the FIA African Rally Championship.
While speaking at the sponsorship announcement, Dipu Ruparelia, President of the FMU thanked Vivo Energy Uganda, and the Shell V-Power brand, for its continued support towards motoring events, and contribution to the growth of the sport in Uganda.
Ruparelia added: “This is our first rally following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and we look forward to welcoming both the drivers and fans back. We intend to deliver a successful event and preparations are already underway.”
In Uganda, Shell V-Power has a long-standing history of supporting and contributing to the growth of racing through sponsorships of rallying events that include the National Rally Championships and Pearl of Africa Rally.
Shell V-Power has also contributed towards nurturing the growth of rallying talent by extending support to drivers, namely Arthur Blick, Ronald Sebuguzi, Omar Mayanja and Umar Kakyama.
“Globally, Shell V-Power, the premium performance fuel is one of the greatest supporters of motorsport. Building on the support extended to the sport for the last 10 years, we are pleased to once again provide this sponsorship that will enable the return of the annual rally to the sporting calendar.” said Johan Grobbelaar, Managing Director, Vivo Energy Uganda.
“We are aware that there have been concerns over safety following the yellow card issued by the FIA on this rally. Part of our support to this rally will go towards enhancing safety at the rally. At Vivo Energy Uganda, safety is our key priority and an integral part of our business. We will do whatever is within our means to support FMU to enhance the safety protocols at the rally,” Grobbelaar added.
Shell V-Power is a premium fuel that was developed in an innovation partnership with Scuderia Ferrari. The partnership with Ferrari means that Shell V-Power has been tested and used under extreme conditions on the race track. The Ferrari team in Formula 1 continues to choose and use this fuel.
“We reiterate our commitment to growing rallying and racing as a sport in Uganda through offering support to both the drivers and the sporting events. This year’s rally will definitely be one to look out for,” Moses Kebba, Marketing Manager, Vivo Energy Uganda said.
In the previous edition held in 2019, Kenya’s Manvir Baryan and co-driver Drew Sturrock from Scotland clinched their third consecutive Africa Rally Championship title with another impressive victory in what was a dominant performance.
