Should the Safari Rally stay on the WRC calendar??

SJ Spode · 15 Feb 2002, 14:06 (Ref:216495)

Should the Safari Rally stay on the WRC calendar??

There's been a lot of talk recently about the future of the Safari Rally. Part of it is to do with the organisers, and partly about the fact that the cars still run on the public roads (although this is due to be phased out over the next few years).

I think it should stay (professional organising standards permitting) and I also don't think that it will lose any of it's magic by going on to closed stages (it'll be much safer, although who's going to tell the wildlife they shouldn't be roaming that piece of the countryside).

It is really one of the classic remaining rallies and the fact that the cars do over 1,100km competitive driving, compared to 3-400km usually means it is still a great test for man and machine.

So what do you think?, and if you think it should go - what rally should replace it.

AndyF · 15 Feb 2002, 14:14 (Ref:216505)

The Safari is unique in the WRC, and it requires specialist skills. It would be a shame to lose the rally due to its unique appeal, but safety etc, needs to be improved. If it was to be replaced, it would probably be with another tarmac event - and we have enough of them now anyway.

**Adam43** · 15 Feb 2002, 14:28 (Ref:216518)

It should stay. Varity is the spice of life. Although I'm not sure the FIA realise that. It adds a lot to the championship. All that is possible should be done to keep it on the calendar.

Speedworx · 15 Feb 2002, 19:11 (Ref:216623)

It should stay on the calender!

The Safari rally is one of the best. I'd like to see Corsica dropped.

AndyF · 15 Feb 2002, 23:02 (Ref:216856)

The problem at the moment seems to be attracting sponsership for the event!

Liz · 23 Feb 2002, 01:52 (Ref:221075)

I like it, but I wouldn't have it in place of Corsica.

Lee Janotta · 27 Feb 2002, 05:45 (Ref:223399)

I think it should definitly stay, but... If it is dropped, it would be nice to have WRC in North America. Interest is just exploding here... Maybe a late June event in the rocky moutains, with a special stage up Pike's Peak (very near the suitably sized town of Colorada Springs). The area has plenty of winding gravel and tarmac roads, and the nearby oval at Pikes Peak International Raceway would be a suitable service.

Europeans get nearly all the good series.

AndyF · 27 Feb 2002, 09:32 (Ref:223464)

Although I am a European, I would welcome more international events - USA, Asia etc.. Perhaps we could revert to the system we had a while ago, when one event was dropped from the calendar each year!

SJ Spode · 27 Feb 2002, 09:54 (Ref:223479)

I must admit Lee I'd be up for travelling over to the States to see that.

Actually I vote that they drop the German round in favour of a US one; who needs more Peugeot / Citroen friendly tarmac events.

AndyF · 27 Feb 2002, 09:57 (Ref:223484)

I'd like to see how the German event does this year - if it is a real classic then they could equally drop Corsica or San Remo.

SJ Spode · 27 Feb 2002, 10:02 (Ref:223486)

Yes, San Remo is potentially becoming more and more compact because of crowd issues, so it's losing it's character. Corsica I'd like to see stay but it's got to be safer.

imull · 27 Feb 2002, 12:12 (Ref:223559)

Loose cyprus. Slow and boring. Keep the safari, the last true rally in teh WRC.

SJ Spode · 27 Feb 2002, 12:33 (Ref:223577)

From www.worldrallynews.com:

New sponsor set to end Safari crisis
February 26, 2002
Inmarsat, the satellite company that is sponsoring the Tour of Corsica, is tipped to back the Safari Rally this year, quelling speculation that Africa might lose its one World Championship rally.

Financial problems have dogged recent Safaris and after his TV rights-holding concern International SportsWorld Communicators bailed out the 2001 event at the last minute, David Richards insisted that the Kenyan Government supported the rally in future. Although no government money has forthcoming, material help is expected, notably in closing roads, and the arrival of Inmarsat should ensure a satisfactory budget.

A more compressed route centred on the Rift Valley, south-west of Nairobi, also looks to be finding favour with works teams, and a national re-organisation means that a new body, Rallyco, is taking charge of the event from Safari Rally Ltd., although this will not mean a complete change of personnel. However, experienced Safari hands believe that further change is needed in the long term.

Good News and Bad News then. Good news the event is safer but bad news if it's going to become more compact / formulaic & lose it's heritage. Next step; they'll be laying tarmac across the Savannah

AndyF · 27 Feb 2002, 20:48 (Ref:223960)

It's better to see it compacted than to lose it all together. I think we will have to see how it goes in its new format this year, and then make judgements.

Diplomat · 10 Mar 2002, 15:10 (Ref:232207)

No! Do the Paris Dakar if you like sand!!!

DAVID PATERSON · 12 Mar 2002, 12:19 (Ref:233492)

That's not very diplomatic.

I think the Safari is an essential part of the championship, it's what rally is all about, or should be. Also, if it's a World Championship, it should cover as many continents as possible.

wreckless · 13 Mar 2002, 10:31 (Ref:234108)

The safari rally is the best one,it tests the cars and drivers to the max.It should never be canned.If a rally is to be canned it should be one of the tarmac events. The US rally is also a great idea. And pikes peak hill climb is even better

SJ Spode · 14 May 2002, 12:58 (Ref:286224)

From www.wrc.commore details there

The route of this year's Safari Rally has been released. the event will have a single service area, and over 30% of the course will now be on closed roads.

Leg 1 (351km)has four competitive sections northwest of Nairobi and Leg 2 (435km) revisits the same roads, taking in a total of five competitives but in the reverse direction. The final leg (267km)will be virtually the same as the first day's action but with just three competitive sections. The service park for the duration of the event will be a Suswa.

Looks like a good compromise, keeping the character of the event but updating it

AndyF · 15 May 2002, 20:55 (Ref:287573)

Sounds good. Worth a chance to see if it works. If not, I don't think they will go back to the longer format!

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