Safari Rally 'Has Met All FIA Requirements' For WRC Return- Sport PS Kaberia

NAIROBI, Kenya- The 2019 Safari Rally has meet all world motor sport governing body- the FIA criterion- according to the Principal Secretary for Sport Ambassador Kirimi Kaberia.

Speaking on Monday during a media conference at MISC Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi where action of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Candidate Event will be flagged off on Friday, the leading technocrat in the Ministry of Sports, Heritage and Culture insisted the Government was keen on Kenya's return to the elite global circuit starting next year.

“The government has worked round the clock to ensure that the Safari Rally returns to the WRC, the funding and preparations are done. We have no challenges except for time. It has been long coming and we hope to deliver a successful event. We are confident that we will bring back the Safari to world status next year,” the PS charged.

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He added; “Safari is part of our national priority and can't be discounted. The Steering Committee has done what's necessary and it's all systems go. We are ready and upbeat that Friday will be good."

The Project CEO and Kenya Motor Sport Federation president; Phineas Kimathi announced a 4.8Km Super Special stage outside the main stadium will follow the flag off where Kaberia will drive the route opening car at the Kasarani Super Special Stage on Friday.

Spectator needs

“Kasarani Stadium is hosting the Safari for the first time and offers Nairobi fans an opportunity to watch cars competing in the city.  On Saturday, fans from Nairobi and Nakuru can view cars at Soysambu which is 10km from Lanet. Cars will go through the stage twice. Spectators who wish can catch up with the cars at Kedong where the last car should cross the finish at 2pm," the former rally ace added.

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Delegates of the International Motorsport Federation (FIA) are in Kenya to assess the country’s capacity to return to the WRC with Kimathi stressing the route chosen for the 2019 running of the event that will be a round of the Africa Rally Championship had been selected and designed to suit spectator needs.

FIA delegates led by legendary rally driver Michelle Mouton are set to oversee various facets of the WRC Candidate Event.

Mouron who is the Safety Delegate will be flanked by other senior officials of the world governing body according to FIA liaison Surrinder Thatthi.

This year’s Safari Rally will be the test-case for Kenya’s compliance with the conditions imposed by FIA before the WRC status is restored for the first time since October 2002.   

Thatthi added Mouton will give a comprehensive report to the FIA Safety Commission at the conclusion of the three-day event.

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Two Sporting Delegates, Timo Rautianen and Andrew Wheatly, will report on the racing aspects of the Safari, while Cem Bonvell from Turkey will assess and account for the medical aspects. These delegates hold the key to Kenya’s return to global status.

"FIA has great desire to come back to Africa following FIA President Jean Todt's visit to the country last year. It is evident that FIA is sympathetic to Kenya's bid on WRC status.  The medical delegate is also very happy and has been working hand in hand with the local medical experts," Thatthi emphasised.