DirtFish understands Safari Rally Kenya’s position in the World Rally Championship is hanging in the balance as it seeks a solution to retain its calendar slot into next season.
We reported a shift in the funding model for the Safari in March, with Kenyan president William Ruto confirming there would be no more public money for the Naivasha-based WRC counter.
At the time, Ruto said: “This is the last Safari Rally where we will be spending public money to promote [the event]. From next year, this event will be fully funded and supported by the private sector.
“The resources we have as a government will now be used to promote sports in our schools and other spheres.”
Sources in Kenya confirm that private funding is being sought, but time is running out for the Safari Rally.
DirtFish understands the Kenyan issue is the only thing holding up the announcement of next year’s WRC calendar.
FIA road sport director Emilia Abel told DirtFish she remained supportive of the event, but added a deadline was in place.
“We want to see Kenya on the calendar,” Abel said. “It is a historic and classic event for the WRC, and an important rally particularly from the region’s perspective. Our focus now is on delivering from the [Kenyan] ASN side.”
WRC Promoter COO Julien Vial said: “We need to finalize the calendar very soon, and in order to do so we need clarity and certainty around the funding of every event. Kenya is one of the most unique and iconic rallies in the championship, but the necessary conditions have to be in place to secure its position on the calendar.”
DirtFish has sought comment from Safari Rally Kenya.
