- Several foreign drivers have already arrived in Kenya to compete for glory in one of motorsport's most revered events that promises high-speed action.
- The President said it’s an honour for Kenya yet again to host the world’s toughest motor rally contest.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has assured rally lovers and drivers that all security measures have been put in place ahead of the much anticipated WRC Safari Rally scheduled for this Easter weekend in Naivasha.
The rally which will feature an impressive lineup of 29 drivers will take place from Thursday, March 28 to Sunday, March 31.
Several foreign drivers have already arrived in Kenya to compete for glory in one of motorsport's most revered events that promises high-speed action and fierce competition.
“I join the people of Kenya to welcome top WRC Safari Rally drivers to Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley and incomparable beautiful destination in Magical Kenya,” Ruto said.
The President said it’s an honour for Kenya yet again to host the world’s toughest motor rally contest.
He described the race as a captivating showpiece where human ingenuity and endurance, breath-taking rugged terrain and the epitome of automotive engineering are stretched to their limits.
“I take this opportunity to assure every participant that every measure has been taken by relevant government agencies to ensure that the Safari rally is safe and secure,” the President said.
Among foreign drivers who have already arrived in the country to tackle the challenging terrain include Frenchman Adrien Fourmax of M-Sport Ford, Thierry Neuville of Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT team and Elfyn Evans.
“Welcome home and enjoy the Easter magic of WRC Safari Rally,” Ruto said in a video message on Tuesday.
Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais won the 2023 WRC which was also hosted by Kenya.
Their team, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, successfully defended their manufacturer's title while Kajetanowicz and Szczepaniak successfully defended their victory in the World Rally Championship-2 category.
Diego Dominguez Jr and Rogelio Peñate won the World Rally Championship-3 category.
The Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT crew of Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe was disqualified from the rally post-event for unauthorised reconnaissance of stages.
They were stripped of their eighth-place finish and the victory in the Power Stage and handed to Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja of the M-Sport Ford team.
As has always been the tradition, this weekend’s rally is expected to attract hundreds of rally lovers to Naivasha, spelling a boom for hotels and restaurants in the tourist hub.
Preparations for the event were in top gear as early as last week where organizers and teams were working tirelessly to ensure everything was in place.
The Service Park had by Sunday already been erected.
The Safari Rally Kenya marks the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships, following Rallye Monte and Rally Sweden held in January and February respectively.