Imagine one of the most legendary icons in the world rally championship losing its place. That is the real threat now looming over Safari Rally Kenya, which is reportedly set to be dropped from next season's WRC calendar.
The news first emerged from RallyJournal, which heard strong rumours as early as the beginning of August that Safari Rally Kenya was set to be removed from the 2027 calendar. Now, DirtFish has also reported on the situation, saying the event organisers are still trying to find a way to remain in the WRC.
The Funding Dilemma Behind a Legend
The Safari Rally returned as a round of the WRC in 2021 after a long absence. Since then, the event has received significant financial support from the Kenyan government. However, public funds are no longer being spent on the event.
According to DirtFish, the organisers are now trying to secure private funding for the rally. Unfortunately, time is running out. Next season's calendar needs to be finalised as soon as possible, and the situation in Kenya is currently the only issue holding up the publication of the 2027 calendar.
Promoter's Ultimatum to Kenya
Julien Vial, chief operating officer of the WRC's new promoter, stressed that the calendar must be finalised very soon. He described Kenya as one of the most unique and iconic rallies in the championship, but the necessary conditions have to be in place to secure its position.
“We need to finalise 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,” Vial said.
In recent years, Safari Rally Kenya has been held in March as the third round of the season. This year, Takamoto Katsuta from Toyota claimed victory. However, without funding certainty, the future of this historic rally in the WRC truly hangs in the balance.
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