Two Malagasy drivers, Juan Rakotojohary and Andritiana Rakotonaivo, have secured their qualification for the world final of the FIA Esports Global Rally Tour. They finished in the top two spots at the African final held in Botswana.
A historic double. Madagascar has swept both African tickets for the FIA Esports Global Rally Tour world final. Juan Rakotojohary, known as ‘Tovonen Jr’ from the FMMSAM club, and expatriate Andritiana Mathieu Rakotonaivo from the ASACM club, took the top two places at the Global Rally Tour Africa ShootOut, held on Saturday in Gaborone, Botswana.
At the controls of a virtual Hyundai i20 N Rally2, the representatives of the Great Island dominated the confrontations on the Welsh special stage of Afon Biga–Cwmbiga. Juan Rakotojohary was crowned African champion after defeating his compatriot in the final. Previously, ‘Tovonen Jr’ had eliminated South African Jody Cleenwerck in the semi-finals. In the decisive duel, he clocked a time of 6 min 17 s 413, against 6 min 18 s 974 for Andritiana.
“I had to fight with all my strength until the end to secure this qualification. Competitors from other countries also gave their best to obtain it,” confided Juan Rakotojohary.
Leading after the first stage and the time trial, Andritiana Rakotonaivo eliminated Kenyan Effe Gichohi in the semi-finals. During the free practice, he had set the best time of 6 min 16 s 874, just ahead of Juan, who was credited with 6 min 16 s 951.
The two Malagasy drivers will represent Africa during the third and final stage of the competition, the FIA Esports Global Rally Tour world final, scheduled for December 12 in Shanghai, China. This virtual rally final will be held on the sidelines of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) congress and the trophy ceremony for champions of various motorsport disciplines for the 2026 season.
Twelve Malagasy drivers participated in the preliminary online phase, organized in May, which brought together ten thousand competitors from around the world. Andritiana ranked second, while David Kévin Begue finished 62nd. Juan Rakotojohary, a five-time Madagascar slalom and dirt hill climb champion, had taken 123rd place before prevailing in the knockout phase in Gaborone.
Captured & Published at: 2026-11-02 05:54:21 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/11/rallye-esports-afrique-juan-et.html