The retuning Safari Rally has been pushed back to 2021, it was confirmed today, as the Coronavirus pandemic claimed another victim.
Scheduled for mid-July, this was due to be the event’s first appearance on the WRC calendar since 2002, where the late-Colin McRae took his final win.
However, as countries were forced into lockdown and quarantine procedures in an effort to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 infection, the viability of the event came under question.
Following discussions between the WRC Promoter, FIA and the Government of Kenya, it was decided to postpone the return of the Safari Rally until 2021. “We greatly regret this decision but there was unfortunately no choice given the current global situation,” commented Oliver Ciesla, managing direct of WRC Promoter. “The championship has a duty of care to all stakeholders as well as the wider community and this remains our key focus.
“The return of Safari Rally Kenya was due to be one of the highlights of the WRC season and we extend our gratitude to President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Government of Kenya and the entire team at the WRC Safari Rally Project, headed by Phineas Kimathi, which has worked so hard.
“We look forward to Safari Rally Kenya in 2021.”
