FIA approves distance adjustment for Safari Rally
Hamza Anwar, navigated by Adnan Din, compete in their Ford Fiesta in the Kasarani Super special stage during the 2024 WRC Safari Rally on March 28, 2024.
What you need to know:
- For non-priority crews who have not registered for the Shakedown at Sleeping Warrior in Gilgil, an alternative reconnaissance session has been scheduled at Kasarani on Wednesday, March 19, between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
- With these updates in place, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in its rich motorsport history, combining world-class competition with breathtaking scenery and unique challenges.
The total competitive distance of the 2024 WRC Safari Rally has been slightly adjusted following a series of amendments to the Supplementary Regulations, which have been approved by the FIA.
According to an official bulletin released by Clerk of Course George Mwangi, the rally’s total competitive distance has been reduced from 384.86 km to 383.10 km, while the overall liaison and competitive distance has been adjusted from 1,403.63 km to 1,381.92 km.
These changes, however, will not affect the rally’s itinerary for the March 20-23 event, which serves as the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).
In addition to the route adjustments, several personnel changes have been made. Tanzanian Gurvi Bala has been dropped as the Deputy Clerk of Course, while Suleiman Munyua has been appointed Deputy Chief Rescue Officer, assisted by Fabrice Nyiridandi of Rwanda.
Jaenette Awang will now serve as Chief Results Officer, replacing Dash Patel, and will be assisted by Anne Waweru. Meanwhile, Mwaura Njunguna has been named Rally Control Manager.
The Safari Rally Headquarters at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) Service Park will become operational on Sunday, March 16, marking the official opening of the Media Centre, which will be in operation for the week-long event until March 26.
On the same day, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and security agencies will conduct a wildlife safety briefing for all competitors, educating them on the necessary protocols to be observed during the rally.
Since the competition takes place in private ranches and conservancies teeming with wildlife, including herbivores and reptiles, adherence to these guidelines will be crucial. Competitors will also be required to attend a safety briefing at the Service Park, reinforcing the importance of safe racing conditions.
As part of the pre-event formalities, the WRC Promoter will host a photo-shoot session for Priority 1 and 2 drivers and co-drivers on Sunday, March 16, ahead of reconnaissance (recce) on Monday and Tuesday.
The teams will then converge in Naivasha for the Shakedown on Wednesday, March 19.
That evening, Kenya has organised an exclusive welcome dinner at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), limited to 12 drivers, with one representative from each manufacturer team.
The official start of the rally will take place on Thursday, March 20, with top drivers conducting a route reconnaissance at the Kasarani Super Special Stage in the morning.
This will provide Kenyan fans with an opportunity to watch the world’s best rally drivers in action before they proceed to City Hall for the ceremonial flag-off.
For non-priority crews who have not registered for the Shakedown at Sleeping Warrior in Gilgil, an alternative reconnaissance session has been scheduled at Kasarani on Wednesday, March 19, between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
With these updates in place, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in its rich motorsport history, combining world-class competition with breathtaking scenery and unique challenges.