The 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) is gearing up to start, as announced by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Motor Sport Council, with the renowned Safari Rally Kenya taking its place as the third round of this exhilarating motorsport showcase.
Expectations are soaring for the comeback of this iconic rally, offering thrills and challenges for both drivers and fans. Set from March 28 to March 31, 2024, the 2024 Safari Rally will unfold in Nairobi and Naivasha, with a twist as it coincides with the Easter weekend. This season, amidst Naivasha’s rainy season, adds an extra layer of difficulty, promising a rigorous test for the world’s top rally drivers.
In a statement, the President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. William Samoei Ruto noted: “For seven long decades, Kenya has gifted the world a unique enthralling motorsport showpiece that sits at par with the very elite sporting events globally. The WRCSafari rally has built a formidable heritage of racing excellence spiced by the wild adventure of exhilarating thrills and spills across the beautiful landscape of our Magical Kenya. Wealsotakespecialpride, as a nation, in the famed reputation of the safari as the “world’s toughest rally”, beloved and watched on multiple media platforms by millions across the length and breadth of the globe.”
“I am delighted to note that this 71st edition of the SafariRally, back to its traditional Easter weekend, has also marked the official ignition of the TalantaRally Academy, our new customised school for breeding the next generations of literal drivers. Established under the Talanta Hela flagship and anchored by the Kenya Academy of Sports, the Rally School will be open to Kenyan youngsters, as well as, budding drivers from across Africa and the rest of the world,” he remarked.
Spanning from January to November, the 2024 WRC calendar features familiar stops along with exciting changes. Latvia steps in for Estonia in July, and Rally Poland makes a long-awaited return after its absence since 2017, replacing Rally México. Croatia Rally comes back in April, while Vodafone Rally de Portugal in May assures thrilling gravel challenges.
Rally Italia Sardegna in late May and early June brings Mediterranean allure, followed by the eagerly anticipated ORLEN 80th Rally Poland in June. A newcomer, Tet Rally Latvia, debuts in July, illustrating the potential for events to ascend from the European Rally Championship to the global WRC stage.
Secto Rally Finland in August is renowned for its high speeds and breathtaking jumps, while EKO Acropolis Rally Greece in September offers rocky mountain trials. Rally Chile Bio Bío in late September introduces South American vibes, leading to the Central European Rally in October before the grand finale in Asia at FORUM8 Rally Japan in November.
Jona Siebel, the managing director of WRC Promoter, expresses excitement for the upcoming season, emphasizing the return to Poland and the debut in Latvia as signs of an exciting future for WRC. Every round will be broadcast live on WRC’s new platform, Rally.TV, ensuring global fans catch every moment. With Safari Rally Kenya’s return and new locations, the 2024 WRC promises to blend tradition and innovation for motorsport enthusiasts and drivers alike.
