This archive report was first published on 24 June 2021.
June 24, 2021 - The WRC Safari Rally, held in Naivasha, Kenya, has seen a significant number of Kenyan drivers fail to qualify for the main event.
According to the official second amended WRC Safari Rally list, drivers such as Andreas Mikelsen, Marco Bulacia, and Teemu Suninen have been amongst those who have bowed out of the rally.
Issa Amwari, sponsored by KCB bank, and his navigator Job Njiru opted out of the rally due to a technical issue with their FIA tank, which did not have a cover to prevent damage.
'We do formally withdraw from the event and with deep regret due to certain extraneous factors,' Njiru said in a statement.
He added, 'Considering the safety measures in place and after deep reflection as a team, we find it prudent to withdraw than face the inherent risks of rallying and a fire mishap.'
Other Kenyan drivers, including Ugandan competitors, have been relegated to the KNRC 4 championship, while some have managed to pass scrutineering and will compete in the main event.
