2009 Safari to attract highest number

By FeverPitch Correspondent

Next year’s Safari Rally is set to receive one of the highest number of teams as organisers prepare for the premiere for the round of the African Rally Championship.

Surinder Thatthi, who is the chairman of the Safari Rally Organising Committee and also a senior member of the FIA’s World Council, confirmed this to FeverPitch.

"With the return of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge Teams to Kenya and the continuation of the Pirelli Young Stars Rally championship in top gear, I expect next year’s Safari Rally to be one of the most attractive rounds of the ARC series," said Thatthi.

strong wish

Thatthi (left) and UK rallying fans Chris Tullet and Farzana Asif Mussa. Photo: File

He said it was his strong wish to gauge next year’s event as part of his plans to help Kenya return to the Word Rally Championship status.

"I know many people have lost hope for us to return to the WRC status, but I am in a stronger position at the FIA level now than ever and that

would favour us towards our struggle to achieve our dreams," he said.

IRC, which made its rally debut in Kenya during the 2007 Safari Rally, was forced to withdraw from this year’s event citing political troubles caused after the elections.

The European outfit is expected to send at least three teams to Kenya with FIAT leading the way.

Others are Citroen and Toyota are among the other major manufacturers vying for the championship.

Thatthi said this could be the last visit for IRC as Kenya gets on path towards a WRC status with a "trial" run in 2010.

The Pirelli Championship is expected to gain momentum next year following success this year, which saw Jon Williams of South Africa become the first winner of the series driving a ST2000 Volkswagen Polo. Kenyans Alfir Khan and Peter Horsey fell at the last hurdle after a spirited battle.

More young drivers, who fall within the age limit allowed to contest the Pirelli series, are expected join the championship next year. Mombasa-based

Izar Mirza has already started his preparations with regular participation in the local Kenya National Rally Championship.

He will be in action in his home round of the Mombasa Rally which will be staged on 4/5 November. The penaultimate round of the KNRC will be organised by the Mombasa Motor Club.

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