But most importantly, Leo avows he is ready to give a fight in the Championship all the way to the end.

“Mombasa was a set back of sorts, no doubt, but it‘s all part of this game. To win a Championship sometimes calls for that extra bit of luck to go your way. It was not meant to be for us. Last year’s Championship was always uphill since we retired in the Safari and the fact that we went all the way to the last race with a chance was bonus,” continued Leo.

Leo is indeed happy that he was at least able to push defending Champion Jasmeet Chana down to the wire- so to him he feels it was a disappointing but satisfactory season.

The Nairobi based driver asserts that the 2WD has become extremely competitive. Last year, Charles Hinga, James Kirimi, Jasmeet Chana and Adnan Suhail and Leo were all able to secure stage wins.

“There is always a surprise package with some newcomer or and old comer. We respect every driver in the 2WD. We are looking forward to some good battles ahead. Hinga and Kirimi are two great guys who are still looking for a championship, he went on.

Asked about the Golf and Levine rivalry, Leo thinks it has to do more with preparations and driver than anything else.

“However VW Golfs have history on their side (winning the 2003,’04,’05, 07,’08 and ‘09 2WD Championships) and lets see what happens in the 2010. Our approach this time is one of nothing to lose really. We are no longer defending the championship; so there is no pressure at all. We’ll try to get a few wins to add to our tally whenever possible,” said Leo.

Meanwhile, 2WD contender Charles Hinga-who destroyed his Toyota Levin in Kajiado last year- hopes to make a robust comeback to his championship aspiration in his third year of competition.

“I hope to make as many points in the first few rallies so as to ease pressure at the end of the season. Therefore, I am going for an outright win when the season rolls off,” said Hinga, who has three 2WD career wins under his belt.

Hinga, who was leading the 2009 KCB Guru Nanak Rally before rolled his Toyota Levin, has acquired a similar make in readiness for the KCB Biashara Banking Rally in Eldoret this weekend.