NAIROBI, March 29 (Xinhua) — Kenya will extend the annual safari rally of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) from three to five days, Kenya President William Ruto said on Tuesday.
Speaking when he officially cancelled the event, Ruto asked the country’s sports ministry to work with the FIA and WRC to bring the classic event back to five days’ duration. Ruto has called on his government to keep Safari Rally on the WRC calendar beyond the original five-year deal that expires in 2026.
His assurances have allayed fears that his management will be unwilling to give the country the guarantee required by the FIA to remain on the world calendar, following Safari’s return to the WRC in 2021 after a 19-year hiatus.
Ruto added that the government needs to seize the opportunities presented through the WRC Safari Rally to breathe life into economic growth. “This will give a primary touch to our economy, expand local business revenues and direct and indirect jobs, and attract local and foreign tourism. investment, catering, amenities and accommodation services,” he said.
Ababu Namwamba, cabinet secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts, said the government would work with the WRC to continue the Safari Rally into a world-class sporting event.
Belgian driver Thierry Neuville took the lead at this year’s Safari Rally after winning the Super Special Stage, as the third round of the event got off to a fast start in Nairobi.
Neuville (48 points), who holds a three-point championship lead over Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Elfyn Evans after the first two stages in Monaco and Sweden, edged out i20-mate N Tänak by just a tenth in the opening 4. 84km.
Toyota’s reigning Finnish world champion and 2022 Safari winner Kalle Rovanpera finished in the top three, a further 0. 7sec back.
Having failed twice in Kenya on three previous attempts, Neuville is well aware that the race will become increasingly difficult. “It’s going to be a tough test. We crossed our hands that this time we will be “We can qualify without any technical problems or mistakes. I think we’re well prepared and I feel smart in the car, so it’s smart to start on a rally like this,” the Belgian told the WRC’s website.
The occasion moves to Naivasha for 19 stages from Friday to Sunday.