[WRC] Safari Rally Kenya 2021

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2ejjx1XIAMAJT2?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2ejjx1XwAc06hv?format=jpg&name=large

[mknight]

Suninen "automatically" in WRC2... hmmm

Anyway WRC2 has the typical "overseas" event problem. With 4 entries and one of them Prokop, just cruising will guarantee 2 or 3rd spot and 18 to 22 points (3-4 points from Powerstage), while fighting between Suninen and Mikkelsen might lead to 0.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2e6QfLWEAITa-t?format=jpg&name=large

[Lancia Stratos]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2e6QfLWEAITa-t?format=jpg&name=large

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/zasada-makes-safari-rally-comeback---aged-91-/

[Jarek Z]

Zasada won European Championship 3 times in the sixties and seventies. It was before World Rally Championship for drivers was created. It's unbelievable that he wants to compete in Safari Rally again. Great respect for him!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/R8e2bf2EJDmI-Y941M9moLOR9JG-5mXD2Pps35fpCIkyuQOt1KUzW_TEOVuwPdT1r_Wfxde75ZHiDi qOmdY7SL4bOXQu4dH7ecph4DxLEbQIThJoTcN6Tlq5QJi-CA

[OldF]

....and first time in 1966 with a group 2 Steyr Puch 650TR.

2108

http://www.zasada.pl/sobieslaw-zasada

http://www.kwa-kwa.pl/strona/zagranica-rajdy/itemlist/category/971-7-14-rallye-acropolis-gr-6-eliminacja.html


http://www.kwa-kwa.pl/strona/images/stories/thumbnails/images-stories-kwa-kwa-1966-zagranica-rajdy-rajdowe-mistrzostwa-europy-kierowcow-7-14-rallye-acropolis-gr-6-eliminacja-7-14-rallye-acropolis-gr-6-eliminacja-19-366x252.jpg

[Jarek Z]

1963 Rally of The 1000 Lakes :)

http://www.zasada.pl/system/images/155/abd7d9e6c3_large.jpg?1422123959

[Jarek Z]

A history lesson for all of you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cijgGcx8Bi8

[Jarek Z]

Zasada says that he's not going to Kenya for holiday :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/why-rally-return-is-no-holiday-for-erc-legend-zasada/

[Jarek Z]

Zasada's car from 1997 Safari is shown at Mercedes Benz dealer showroom in Cracow. Do you think cars are going to look similar this year?
https://www.facebook.com/KronikaRajdow/photos/a.3524317910951464/3950717368311514/

[pantealex]

https://storage.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/sportity-storage/o/ff8c6dad-bdc4-4e19-863c-51d2cbe802b1%2Fb91a0675-d3f2-4299-8ebd-52d141a97abf_Bulletin%20No.1.pdf?generation=162265 3545857061&alt=media
Bulletin 1
11.11 Permitted bodywork amendments
With reference to the 2021 FIA ISC, Appendix J - Article 261; The organisers will permit;
• Additional opening on the bonnet or on a front fender
• Front impact protection

Are those WRC2/3 tyres same type as Portugal/Sardinia was used ?

[mknight]

-Don't quite get what the "opening" is for? It's not like it's warmer than Sardinia or Turkey, maybe a bit more humidity.

-Not sure how eager teams will be to mount massive bars to the front as it will have big impacts on balance


Don't see why WRC2/3 tires should be different.
Note that in Sardinia afaik the only one out of the top 4 WRC2 (Hutunnen, Østbeg, Bulacia, Fourmaux, and Gryazin + Mikkelsen but they drove only a few stage) with a puncture was Østberg on one stage. That's hardly any drama.
In Portugal afaik it was Østberg and Suninen with one each, Lappi, Solberg, Bulacia etc. didn't have any.

Historically R5s get a lot of punctures though, in Turkey it's usually at least one each.

From the little of what I have seen of Safari stages the problem is typically huge bumps/terrain on the road. Not necessarily big stones.

[denkimi]

-Don't quite get what the "opening" is for? It's not like it's warmer than Sardinia or Turkey, maybe a bit more humidity.

I assume it's to allow a snorkel.

[mknight]

That would make sense, but doesn't it then need to allow "a pipe" or something, not just "an opening".

[Rallyper]

That would make sense, but doesn't it then need to allow "a pipe" or something, not just "an opening".

The opening is essential for the pipe to be snorkel. The pipe isn´t about bodyshell, but hole is. I would pressume...

[pantealex]

-Don't quite get what the "opening" is for? It's not like it's warmer than Sardinia or Turkey, maybe a bit more humidity.

-Not sure how eager teams will be to mount massive bars to the front as it will have big impacts on balance


Don't see why WRC2/3 tires should be different.
Note that in Sardinia afaik the only one out of the top 4 WRC2 (Hutunnen, Østbeg, Bulacia, Fourmaux, and Gryazin + Mikkelsen but they drove only a few stage) with a puncture was Østberg on one stage. That's hardly any drama.
In Portugal afaik it was Østberg and Suninen with one each, Lappi, Solberg, Bulacia etc. didn't have any.

Historically R5s get a lot of punctures though, in Turkey it's usually at least one each.

From the little of what I have seen of Safari stages the problem is typically huge bumps/terrain on the road. Not necessarily big stones.

I´m not worried about tyres, I was just asking did Pirelli choose same ones ?
In past different rallies had different tyre options. (soft,medium,hard etc)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport boss optimistic about the Safari...

https://www.the-star.co.ke/sports/2021-06-08-m-sport-ford-boss-optimistic-despite-demanding-safari-roads/

[mknight]

Was looking on some of the recce onboards from the organizers, (listed under maps: https://www.rally-maps.com/Safari-Rally-2021#Onboard%20Video ) and also on some vids from previous year.

The power stage is kind of normal stage similar to a mix of Portugal and Sardinia.

Didn't watch all stages, but there are some other stages that I really wonder about:

- SS2/5 is narrow "in the jungle", slow and almost completely on grass, often with no road visible (2:20+, 26:40+), How are the first cars going to pick a line? How will the road look after first pass or even after a few cars?

- SS3/6 or 8/11 have a lot of really longs "straights" which are not perfectly straight and have lots of hidden bumps/ruts here and there. Really wonder what kind of speed will they try to drive, lot of that looks like you "could" go flat out, but that might end in huge crash.

- 9/12 has kind of mix of all, open straights/wide sections, parts on open grass areas where basically any car can drive completely own line (is it faster to follow tracks of others? Does it get slippery from mud?) and parts that are so narrow and with big height differences that anything about 50 km/h smells disaster

Quite a large part of the rally is "mud/earth" and not "gravel" which afaik is now not seen anywhere in WRC, Azores surface is maybe closest.

Really wonder how teams approach the setup and drivers their style of driving.
High rideheight/soft car? Doesn't always seem necessary. Long gearbox? - will it help if you can't go flat out on the straights without breaking something and have a lot of very slow sections? Etc. etc.

[the sniper]

No doubt, it's going to be interesting!

[AnttiL]

Yeh I've also been watching the recce videos.

The Sunday stages seem more like "normal rallying" with actual roads and bends on it, also partly dense junction turns and straights almost like Ypres. Power stage is probably the fastest of the whole rally. The Sunday single-run stage is probably the most technical stage of the rally (and also my favourite). Friday and Saturday is more Rally raid offroading, with frequent surface changes from roads to tracks. You might have a long straight but there's places where you need to brake because the road is so bumpy. Some sections are super fast, some seem like slow based on how the recce jeep is going over them. Only a couple of river crossings. Very few tight corners or technical sections (although sometimes they've made deliberate detours or additional corner tightenings as chicanes). And most of the roads are super narrow, only one car width.

At least it's very different, completely different to anything on any other rallies of the current WRC. Some sections are a bit like the worst roads of Sardegna, and some are a bit like Turkey, but the character is so different (slow because of road bumpiness, not because of tight corners).

There's plenty of wild animals on the stages, sometimes running quickly across the road, sometimes in herds moving slowly. Will we just get a lot of notional times for slowing down because of animals? And I presume we will see a lot of animals being hit by the cars, will they show all that on All Live? Front bumpers will be necessary because of that, otherwise they could get radiator damage.

Also worth remembering that the videos were shot months ago, and the organizers supposedly worked on the stages, and the Equator rally was driven also on some of the stages after the videos, in torrential rain. The WRC event should be dry, however.

[Jarek Z]

Are there any stages that look like this?
https://overdrive.com.pl/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Zasada-Safari-1997-fot.-Archiwum-Sobieslawa-Zasady-1-1024x576.jpg

[Jarek Z]

There's plenty of wild animals on the stages, sometimes running quickly across the road, sometimes in herds moving slowly.

Yeah, like here in Safari 2000 at 0:15 sec, poor Juha is apologizing his mechanics :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1dawGiMEzM

[mknight]

Are there any stages that look like this?
https://overdrive.com.pl/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Zasada-Safari-1997-fot.-Archiwum-Sobieslawa-Zasady-1-1024x576.jpg

No.


I am not so sure about the animals issue. The local drivers in Fabia R5s run them without any extra front protection.

But an interesting point that lately drivers "demand" to get time back for just about anything, partly also due to the small time differences at finish which again is also related to the short distances rallies run over. This might be an issue here where all kinds of dust/catching other drivers/blocked stages/animals can happen.

Then again I'd expect time differences to be much bigger here.

[pantealex]

COC Communication
https://storage.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/sportity-storage/o/ff8c6dad-bdc4-4e19-863c-51d2cbe802b1%2F6381947a-81df-47c3-890a-22ca6601cf24_COC%20Comm%20No.1.pdf?generation=1623 149946657127&alt=media
It really still has different elements than any other WRC Rally

Interesting!

[denkimi]

- SS2/5 is narrow "in the jungle", slow and almost completely on grass, often with no road visible (2:20+, 26:40+), How are the first cars going to pick a line? How will the road look after first pass or even after a few cars?

I assume the lines will be there afterwards recce.

[MentalParadox]

Also worth remembering that the videos were shot months ago, and the organizers supposedly worked on the stages...

I hope they don't change it *too* much...
I kinda like what I'm seeing on those recce onboards.

[Red bull]

https://kawowo.com/2021/06/08/ogier-keen-to-add-safari-rally-to-his-victories/

[TypeR]

Prokop only WRC2 driver in Kenya :D Mikkelsen-Bulacia won't start because of car damage from Italy..(I rather bet on money-wise) and Suninen won't start, because M-Sport can't afford another members to go there + quarantine rules..

[mknight]

It all sounds like being about money (both Suninen and Toksport). Toksport can't get a hold of a Fabia anywhere? I think I hear that one of the cars that Mikkelsen drove is even owned by Skoda motorsport and in Sardinia they ran 5 cars? Bulacias car with panel damage can't be fixed in 3 weeks? ( I guess they use different cars in Poland).
Suninen sounds like a reaction to his Sardinia crash. Specifically since Prokop goes anyway.

Anyway better that "nobody" goes, rather than "competition" with 2 cars.

Valid point that was raised is that current rules require the teams to enter one round outside of Europe. So this means "everyone" has to go to Japan. It's not quite clear to me if this rule applies only to team championship or also to drivers.

[tommeke_B]

The line in the rule-book stating everyone must do an event outside Europe can quickly be changed if the right people are going to push for it. Especially considering the calendar has been changed and Chili is replaced by Acropolis.

[mknight]

Yeah like last year with the numbers of events.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/suninen-and-toksport-to-skip-safari-in-wrc2/?fbclid=IwAR37Y7o7rr8izrKX-g_feZji5YjnCVLI9FZZqo5WVCJHCULT2OfZ0tWt8QU

[Red bull]

https://www.the-star.co.ke/sports/2021-06-12-family-dream-comes-true-as-solberg-jnr-replaces-pierre-louis-for-wrc-safari/ Oliver Solberg for Safari Rally Kenya

[mknight]

Since I guess the car is already on the way, Will he run the weird hybrid spec Loubet has been using whole season, or will they manage to change?

Also while Loubet had terrible Croatia and Portugal, in Sardinia he had car issues every second stage, so kinda hard "thank you".

Together with the Subaru rumors it almost seem that Hyundai is suddenly trying hard to please Solberg?

(After missing Croatia for seemingly no reason, new Rally2 car delayed and likely not very happy with the old R5)

[Lancia Stratos]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/solberg-late-addition-to-safari-line-up/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

PL Loubet:

After discussions with my partners after Sardinia, we decided to ignore the Safari Rally and take the time to analyze what has gone wrong since the start of the season.

All for the sole purpose of coming back stronger.

[Sulland]

PL Loubet:

After discussions with my partners after Sardinia, we decided to ignore the Safari Rally and take the time to analyze what has gone wrong since the start of the season.

All for the sole purpose of coming back stronger.

For Loubet, he was placed in a WRCar too early, and need more time in Rally2.

Too early to say if Oliver takes the level, at least on asphalt, and maybe also on gravel. But he has many hours in a RX Supercar, so amount of power is known to his brain, so muscle memory is there. But he needs more hours in the car. Maybe Petter should look into possibility of getting a training car for them!

[Jarek Z]

For Loubet, he was placed in a WRCar too early, and need more time in Rally2.

Yes. I think he has never won any rally in his life, but somehow he competes among the best.

[mknight]

Last year at Rally Alba Loubet was posting similar times relative to Tanak like Solberg did this year.

Just saying

Find it strange how people already discard Loubet.

[steve.mandzij]

Last year at Rally Alba Loubet was posting similar times relative to Tanak like Solberg did this year.

Just saying

Find it strange how people already discard Loubet.you find it strange? have you been watching anything at all this season?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Last year at Rally Alba Loubet was posting similar times relative to Tanak like Solberg did this year.

Just saying

Find it strange how people already discard Loubet.

which shows you cant make any assumptions based on a small rally where they are mostly testing

just saying...

[AnttiL]

I mean, Loubet has had now full year in the WRC car and he's completely lost. Solberg was posting great stage times already in his first event in Arctic. OK, Loubet has also shown some pace here an there, but especially the two last events have been throwaways.

[AnttiL]

One more thing about Safari, difficult to predict how the starting order will affect things. Unlike most gravel rallies, there won't be a hard-based road to clean from loose gravel, it will just dig deeper into the soil, and whether it will make for better traction or not, I don't know. Dust could also be a big issue. I'm ready to put my money on Ogier's win.

[mknight]

you find it strange? have you been watching anything at all this season?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk


I mean, Loubet has had now full year in the WRC car and he's completely lost. Solberg was posting great stage times already in his first event in Arctic. OK, Loubet has also shown some pace here an there, but especially the two last events have been throwaways.

Loubet drove 3 WRC rallies last year.... 3. (+ 2 testing tarmac events), and 5 this year. In Monte (on tarmac that he has most WRC experience ) he did post a few decent times 2., 4th... (changing conditions though).


In terms of starts, Portugal and Sardinia this year were similar to for example Latvala at start of 2006. Wasn't exactly setting the world on fire. Tanak in 2012 is also somehow similar experience level, that one usually ended with crash after posting top 5 times for first few stages.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/Becsywecsy/status/1404421570550972417

[steve.mandzij]

Loubet drove 3 WRC rallies last year.... 3. (+ 2 testing tarmac events), and 5 this year. In Monte (on tarmac that he has most WRC experience ) he did post a few decent times 2., 4th... (changing conditions though).


In terms of starts, Portugal and Sardinia this year were similar to for example Latvala at start of 2006. Wasn't exactly setting the world on fire. Tanak in 2012 is also somehow similar experience level, that one usually ended with crash after posting top 5 times for first few stages.it's just that Loubet has had neither pace nor consistency in any of his WRC starts, and he's only getting worse.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[pantealex]

Since I guess the car is already on the way, Will he run the weird hybrid spec Loubet has been using whole season, or will they manage to change?





Rally cars were NOT sended by boat, Airplane will carry them.

So every spec is still possible for Oliver

[djip]

it's just that Loubet has had neither pace nor consistency in any of his WRC starts, and he's only getting worse.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

Looking at Greensmith, it sqeems that he may benefit for an experienced codriver to get his act together.
Stephane Prevot ? Denis Giraudet ? Why nor Daniel Elena ?

[Sulland]

Smart to give a car to Solberg. He will learn a lot, and have the experience of his life so far.
If he drives sensible he will do well. This rally also has an endurance side to it.

[Myrvold]

It's though life as a Loubet-fan :(

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2021/06/15/route-preview-safari-rally-2021/

Route preview. Like I already posted, there's a lot of unknowns in the unique surface. Many stages are driven on tracks, some contain also built roads (especially on Sunday). Kedong and Hell's Gate will be likely the fastest stages, while Malewa, Chui Lodge and Oserian should be among the slowest ones.

[Andre Oliveira]

Kenyan Rally3 army on Safaricom sponsored presentation

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E39NVMkWQAc4avL?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E39NVMcXwAMz_KM?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E39NVMcXMAYjcc3?format=jpg&name=900x900

[pantealex]

and all those 3 Kenyan Rally3 drivers are young ones, not gentleman drivers.

[Red bull]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/greensmith-flying-blind-for-safari-voyage-of-discovery/

[denkimi]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/greensmith-flying-blind-for-safari-voyage-of-discovery/
I would be suprised if none of the factory teams have send scouts to kenya to go and watch the route from up close.
I would if i had the money.

I still remember the story about kris meeke driving around on a Mountain bike in the area surrounding ypres, weeks before the rally.

[Red bull]

Wrc cars arrive for the Safari Rally. https://fb.watch/6avE_ZNoKu/

[AnttiL]

https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2021/rd06-preview.html
https://motorsport.hyundai.com/african-adventure-awaits/

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210620/7596ba0604e2c7adea39fb85d23a9510.jpg

https://twitter.com/mpl_ee/status/1406687458285207558?s=21

[racerx1979]

I hope this event will notbe a cluster F. I was born in Kenya in the 70s and have seen plenty of Safaris and know how these things are run. If they're run by the same group it will be a mess! Not sure what kind of oversight takes place via WRC, but let's hope things don't go missing and drivers and crew are kept safe.

Look forward to seeing this one live. I've been busy raising twins and haven't had much time. This rally will require patience.

I no longer live in Kenya, but have plenty of family and contacts there.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4aEIZQWUAAPfzX?format=jpg&name=large

[AnttiL]

https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2021/rd06-preview.html
https://motorsport.hyundai.com/african-adventure-awaits/

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/safari-of-discovery-for-m-sport-s-young-duo

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2021/06/15/route-preview-safari-rally-2021/

Route preview. Like I already posted, there's a lot of unknowns in the unique surface. Many stages are driven on tracks, some contain also built roads (especially on Sunday). Kedong and Hell's Gate will be likely the fastest stages, while Malewa, Chui Lodge and Oserian should be among the slowest ones.

Also remember that this rally has a weird itinerary. Shakedown on Wednesday 13.01, SSS1 on Thursday 14.08 (Friday-Sunday more or less normal)

[Red bull]

The VW polo of Kenya's Carl Tundo is the only POLO with a snorkel. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rallyfanskenya/permalink/4134995196576392/

[Red bull]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-will-a-safari-spec-car-look-like-in-2021/

[dimviii]

Fourmaux at recce https://www.petrolheads.gr/images/smilies/smooth/rofl.gif
https://twitter.com/AdrienFourmaux/status/1406982931608965129

Sordo

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4aj5ZfX0AYuNDj?format=jpg&name=large

[mknight]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-will-a-safari-spec-car-look-like-in-2021/

So in the end the cars will look exactly the same...:(

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4a-4dEWQAYYA1H?format=jpg&name=large

https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1407021813893406724

[jmwachuya]

Hell's gate is quite tricky, with deep ruts and quite narrow..
It will headache for cars behind!
Malewa a bit first, but rocky.. should be puncture prone!
I am doing an official role as a post chief, will be stationed in stage 2 Chui..
Will give real time updates to this forum!

Sent from my CPH1725 using Tapatalk

[jmwachuya]

Ott Tanak 2120

Sent from my CPH1725 using Tapatalk

[jmwachuya]

Meme's 2121

Sent from my CPH1725 using Tapatalk

[jmwachuya]

Hell's gate is quite tricky, with deep ruts and quite narrow..
It will be a headache for cars behind!
Malewa a bit first, but rocky.. should be puncture prone!
I am doing an official role as a post chief, will be stationed in stage 2 Chui..
Will give real time updates to this forum!

Sent from my CPH1725 using Tapatalk



Sent from my CPH1725 using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Hell's gate is quite tricky, with deep ruts and quite narrow..

Interesting, based on the recce video it seemed like a wide, smooth and easy stage.

[mknight]

Interesting, based on the recce video it seemed like a wide, smooth and easy stage.

But do we know when the recce vid was filmed? Some rain between?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The VW polo of Kenya's Carl Tundo is the only POLO with a snorkel. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rallyfanskenya/permalink/4134995196576392/


Ryan Champion @Ryan_Champion

Interesting to see the locals preparing differently to factory teams for the lWRC return to Safari Rally. From what the Assistant Clark of the Course told us this week it may not be as ‘easy,’ as some anticipate..

[AnttiL]

But do we know when the recce vid was filmed? Some rain between?

Yes, seems already a bit rockier on the new recce video from last week. Original videos were from April

[mknight]

Ryan Champion @Ryan_Champion

Interesting to see the locals preparing differently to factory teams for the lWRC return to Safari Rally. From what the Assistant Clark of the Course told us this week it may not be as ‘easy,’ as some anticipate..
But the locals run there more than once per year and I guess sometimes also during rainy season.

[mknight]

Yes, seems already a bit rockier on the new recce video from last week. Original videos were from April

Didn't know they posted new vids, thanks for the heads-up.

On SS2/5 they cut the grass on the parts where you barely could see any track before, now it's much more open and quite different stage.

[scn]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/is-2021-a-real-safari-nicky-grist-vs-robert-reid/

I am afraid Nicky Grist is right. Route is very short and the recce videos show it rather soft. Maybe FIA should examine some change in the distance limits for certain rallies, like Safari and Acropolis. A rally championship without some truly endurance events is lacking a certain aspect of the sport.

[jmwachuya]

2124

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/is-2021-a-real-safari-nicky-grist-vs-robert-reid/

I am afraid Nicky Grist is right. Route is very short and the recce videos show it rather soft. Maybe FIA should examine some change in the distance limits for certain rallies, like Safari and Acropolis. A rally championship without some truly endurance events is lacking a certain aspect of the sport.

Acropolis couldn’t even make it to the minimum of 300 km this year…

You can't make the rallies longer by just increasing the limit, the whole structure must support the longer format. More tyres, more service visits, more driving days, more days of recce...equals more expenses. Who pays for that? Who wants that other than a small group of old farts who crave for nostalgy? The average spectator who watches the two live stages on TV or goes to spectate one stage on his domestic rally? The drivers for example have said rallies could be already shorter than they are now.

[AndyRAC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/is-2021-a-real-safari-nicky-grist-vs-robert-reid/

I am afraid Nicky Grist is right. Route is very short and the recce videos show it rather soft. Maybe FIA should examine some change in the distance limits for certain rallies, like Safari and Acropolis. A rally championship without some truly endurance events is lacking a certain aspect of the sport.

The Safari was the WRC's equivalent of other iconic motorsport events; Indy 500, Le Mans 24 Hours......

They still run as intended; and both are completely different from the other races in the series.

The Indy 500 is all about May; the only change is the addition of a road course race at the beginning of May before practice, and qualifying for the 500.
Le Mans has a test day about 2 weeks before; then on the Sunday/Monday before the race is the scrutineering in the town square. Wednesday/ Thursday afternoon/evening sees practice and qualifying. Followed by a press & media day on the Friday. And then the race twice round the clock on Saturday & Sunday.

The thought of changing them, and making them suitable for modern audiences would be a huge error. It simply won't happen. Alas, rallying has done just that; trashing it's historic/iconic events, so we get identikit events. Cutting costs, and making them easy for TV/media to sell is the reason we're constantly told. Fine......but don't complain when the sport isn't offering any value to sponsors, manufacturers, etc

Drop the Safari name, and call it Rally Kenya; I'm sure it will be a good event, and hopefully provides an element of surprise to competitors.

[AnttiL]

Drop the Safari name, and call it Rally Kenya; I'm sure it will be a good event, and hopefully provides an element of surprise to competitors.

I agree with this part of your post.

However, arranging Safari like it was in the past is just impossible. The traffic in Kenya has increased, you cannot rally on open roads as freely anymore (yeah, they still do the historic event, but it's for a different purpose, it's not so serious). In Le Mans it's easier to retain the length, just enough laps on the circuit.

The teams don't have the budgets they had in the past. This has nothing to do with the rules of rallying itself. Rallying just isn't viewed as an important marketing tool as it was in the past. Things like Toyota spending six months in Kenya, running through the 4000 km route three times in preparation with helicopter flying constantly over the car and chase cars running behind....it just won't happen anymore.

The sport has changed from endurance to speed contest. Driving on an event like that would be a lot different, a lot slower, more cars retiring or falling behind, no more split time following etc. things would happen slowly, you have maybe hours of gaps and things would be decided by service time. That wouldn't fit the All Live format either, because there would be technical and economical limits.

I don't understand why this discussion is brought up now. All rallies were made 400 km long in 1997 (except Safari 1000 km long, a lot shorter than before) and that's when the sport really started to thrive with more factory teams and tight competition than ever. Maybe in the end making the events "identikit" and more TV friendly actually made it more attractive for people to start following?

Meanwhile, nobody sees the problem that Monte Carlo has been run without the concentration run since 1997, and RAC has had pace notes since 1990? Acropolis has been able to run with 0 road penalties etc.

Also understand that even Safari itself changed during the decades. Rauno Aaltonen complained already in 1982 that the route is too short and easy, when it was 5000 km long. When McRae won it in 2002, it was only 1000 km long, but that's still seen as a triumph.

[Tauri_J]

Acropolis couldn’t even make it to the minimum of 300 km this year…

Who wants that other than a small group of old farts who crave for nostalgy? The average spectator who watches the two live stages on TV or goes to spectate one stage on his domestic rally?

I have always found this argument irrelevant. Nowadays with streaming platforms in a binge-watching era an average joe would watch a tv show/sport event etc. all day if he finds it interesting enough.

The problem with WRC is that it isnt entertaining enough. Not enough manufacturers and drivers, drivers not going flatout all the time especially those dreaded tyre saving sundays, Pirelli tyres that are killing the action, the worst streaming platform in any sport and probably a lot more but these are first that came to my mind.

[AnttiL]

drivers not going flatout all the time especially those dreaded tyre saving sundays

If the events get any longer, there will be more of this stuff.

[PLuto]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/is-2021-a-real-safari-nicky-grist-vs-robert-reid/

I am afraid Nicky Grist is right. Route is very short and the recce videos show it rather soft. Maybe FIA should examine some change in the distance limits for certain rallies, like Safari and Acropolis. A rally championship without some truly endurance events is lacking a certain aspect of the sport.

I think FIA should examine changes in the distance limits for ALL rallies. Events are shorter and shorter, not worth to name "world championship".

[AnttiL]

I think FIA should examine changes in the distance limits for ALL rallies. Events are shorter and shorter, not worth to name "world championship".

300-400 km has been used for years now, but during COVID-19 the have allowed shorter events to be arranged since it's less expensive.

[Tauri_J]

If the events get any longer, there will be more of this stuff.

Points for every stage and more remote tyre zones should help

[AnttiL]

Points for every stage and more remote tyre zones should help

No, I meant that longer events result in more ”protective” driving. Not going flat out all the time.

[mknight]

I personally didn't like the short "covid" rallies lasting 2 days. with 250-ish km. But I also don't see the point of much more than 3 days and 350-400 km.

- 1000 km "safari" would simply be incredibly boring to follow for everyone, even in the "modern" format Safari you had Sainz falling asleep on the stage while driving....
No, nobody would "binge watch" 1000 km rallies at "moderate" pace.

- Complaining how rallies is not the same as 40 years ago and then saying we should introduce points for every stage is somewhat funny.

- Comparing with LeMans which is the closest motorsport equivalent just doesn't work, they just run more rounds on same circuit. In rally would then do 4 passes per stage? (that wouldn't work on gravel)
Most notably LeMans is the main endurance competition, the other 6/12 hour races are something that acts as a "support" for the main event. Therefore the cars and concept are build to work for 24 hours and are then "downscaled" for shorter races. WRC is not build for 1000km+ competition nowadays.

[djip]

All arguments for not trying to revive the past are very valid. However I see no value in "identikit" events. Diversity is what makes things interesting. On a sporting level (whoever wins is a complete driver) and for the spectator.
Rallying's DNA is about diversity. Snow, gravel and dirt. Coping with dreadful wheather/poor road conditions (no safety car in rallying when it starts raining !). Amazing (and diffferent) sceneries. Multiple categories running the same event. Amateurs mixed with professionals. Etc ...
So in the end, I understand that the world is so different then in the 60's, that the costs have skyrocketed . But the value proposition argument (no manufactuer wants to spend a lot of money on rallying those days) is a bit of a chicken and egg thing. And i am conviced that if rallying would forget about the boring "identikit" format, it could raise its appeal.
So long story short, why wouldn't the championship mix short and long events, fast flowing and slow endurance events ? Monte Carlo could be a bit longer with night stages (the "final night", arriving in Monaco at dawn is a PR's dream, isn't it ?). Safari, Acropolis, Turkey, Cyprus or whatever on the rough side (not necessiraly long, but having drivers managing their effort) and then the actual super-fast, to the second sprints. In this picture, a somehow extended Safari (400 ? 500 km ? No one is talking of 5000km anymore !) could then be one of the series crown jewels, as it is iconic. Inversely, some sprint events could be shortened. Corsica used to be only 24hours ways back then and god it was one of the drivers preferred event !

[AnttiL]

Rallying's DNA is about diversity. Snow, gravel and dirt. Coping with dreadful wheather/poor road conditions (no safety car in rallying when it starts raining !). Amazing (and diffferent) sceneries. Multiple categories running the same event. Amateurs mixed with professionals. Etc ...

And this is still how it is in WRC. However, I'm sad to see mixed surface events being taken away again for the sake of expenses. In the past most of the South European gravel rallies were actually mixed surface, such as Portugal and Acropolis (in addition to Sanremo, of course).


So in the end, I understand that the world is so different then in the 60's, that the costs have skyrocketed . But the value proposition argument (no manufactuer wants to spend a lot of money on rallying those days) is a bit of a chicken and egg thing. And i am conviced that if rallying would forget about the boring "identikit" format, it could raise its appeal.
So long story short, why wouldn't the championship mix short and long events, fast flowing and slow endurance events ? Monte Carlo could be a bit longer with night stages (the "final night", arriving in Monaco at dawn is a PR's dream, isn't it ?). Safari, Acropolis, Turkey, Cyprus or whatever on the rough side (not necessiraly long, but having drivers managing their effort) and then the actual super-fast, to the second sprints. In this picture, a somehow extended Safari (400 ? 500 km ? No one is talking of 5000km anymore !) could then be one of the series crown jewels, as it is iconic. Inversely, some sprint events could be shortened. Corsica used to be only 24hours ways back then and god it was one of the drivers preferred event !
Yes, I'm sure we could have 300 km rallies and 500 km rallies run with the same cars and roughly the same budgets (my thoughts on that here https://itgetsfasternow.com/2018/01/03/short-or-long-wrc-rallies-why-not-have-both/) But how much does this make a difference to someone who has a problem with rallies being too short or similar with each other?

Night driving is not really a PR dream. Today the point is to get social media buzz going on, with posts at the ends of the stages gaining exposure, and you don't get that in the nighttime. You only have people finding out the results once they wake up. Same goes for live TV, not much to see on night stages, and not much people awake to watch the broadcast.

[Eli]

300-400 km has been used for years now, but during COVID-19 the have allowed shorter events to be arranged since it's less expensive.

Mind you even before Covid, back in 2019 they limited the events to 350kms max. I agree with PLuto, when things start to get more steady (Covid wise), they should extend the limit for a rally to say... 400km, and as for Rally Kenya, I would bring back the snorkels and stuff like that to make the event feel a bit different and more of an occasion.

[Tauri_J]

I personally didn't like the short "covid" rallies lasting 2 days. with 250-ish km. But I also don't see the point of much more than 3 days and 350-400 km.

- 1000 km "safari" would simply be incredibly boring to follow for everyone, even in the "modern" format Safari you had Sainz falling asleep on the stage while driving....
No, nobody would "binge watch" 1000 km rallies at "moderate" pace.

- Complaining how rallies is not the same as 40 years ago and then saying we should introduce points for every stage is somewhat funny.

- Comparing with LeMans which is the closest motorsport equivalent just doesn't work, they just run more rounds on same circuit. In rally would then do 4 passes per stage? (that wouldn't work on gravel)
Most notably LeMans is the main endurance competition, the other 6/12 hour races are something that acts as a "support" for the main event. Therefore the cars and concept are build to work for 24 hours and are then "downscaled" for shorter races. WRC is not build for 1000km+ competition nowadays.

Noone talked about binge-watching 1000 km.

Points for every stage would make drivers to be on the limit a lot more than right now...would be silly to think otherwise. It would be a rather easy fix and wont cost them a penny.

[AnttiL]

Noone talked about binge-watching 1000 km.

Points for every stage would make drivers to be on the limit a lot more than right now...would be silly to think otherwise. It would be a rather easy fix and wont cost them a penny.

It would really change the nature of the sport. Let's say you give one point per stage win, it would make 15-25 points per rally, as much as a win.

[AnttiL]

Mind you even before Covid, back in 2019 they limited the events to 350kms max. I agree with PLuto, when things start to get more steady (Covid wise), they should extend the limit for a rally to say... 400km, and as for Rally Kenya, I would bring back the snorkels and stuff like that to make the event feel a bit different and more of an occasion.

I personally would like to see longer events, but at the same time the impact is minimal. Many rallies were already close to the 300 km minimum rather than the 400 km maximum. Can you tell without checking which 2018 events were over 350 km in length? And did it affect the spectating aspect?

However, a bigger change was made for this season when they demanded a leg to have no more than four stages (excluding super specials) and two stages cannot be so close to each other that P1 crews will drive two stages at the same time.

And at the same time, stages longer than 30 km have become more and more rare, and stages over 40 km completely non-existent, although there doesn't seem to be any regulations about that.

I can only guess all these things are something that the All Live crew has requested because ever minute costs a lot to broadcast, and the transmitter aeroplane can be in the air for only a certain amount of time at once.

[focus206]

Points for every stage defies the nature of rallying.
Imagine the 24 hours of Le Mans assigning points after every hour, or circuit racing assigning points every single lap to the leader. There would be no "endurance" element, only sprint sprint sprint. And the winner of the event might end up 3rd in points for the weekend, which in my opinion should never happen, one power stage is enough for rallying.

[AnttiL]

I would also claim the classic Safari had more of a unique character than just the extensive length. It wasn't 5000 km of special stages, it was more like 5000 km of road sections, but without speed limits and very tight timetable. The drivers were even allowed to drive without helmets! And similarly, nobody attacked corners like they do nowadays, it wasn't that spectacular to watch.

The rallies were decided on road penalties and in turn that meant that the car which needed the least service time was a winner, not the fastest driver. That's why the RWD Group B Toyota Celicas were so good in African events, because they were so easy to service and reliable, whereas the 4WD cars had more parts that went broken.

Of course the 1996-2002 events were shorter and had proper special stages and designated service areas. In a way you could say that's when the event became like a modern rally, just with longer stages (but also very fast roads).

[AnttiL]

Points for every stage defies the nature of rallying.
Imagine the 24 hours of Le Mans assigning points after every hour, or circuit racing assigning points every single lap to the leader. There would be no "endurance" element, only sprint sprint sprint. And the winner of the event might end up 3rd in points for the weekend, which in my opinion should never happen, one power stage is enough for rallying.

Yes. I think the Sunday tyre saving issue is being exaggerated here once again, it doesn't happen every event, and conversely we've had very tight Sunday battles for the win during the last few years. If you don't remember, take a look at these events:

Argentina 2017
Sardinia 2018
Wales 2018
Catalunya 2018
Monte 2019
Monte 2020
Sardinia 2020
Croatia 2021

[Franky]

People's memory is short. We tend to forget that it's not always fighting for tenths.And to be honest, if you have every rally everyone separate by just fractions, you'll get used to it and it won't be anything special. You need to have boring for the good to shine. The moment everything is on equally good level, it's the standard and standard is not interesting.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4dwKx-WQAAGLq-?format=jpg&name=large

[scn]

Acropolis couldn’t even make it to the minimum of 300 km this year…

You can't make the rallies longer by just increasing the limit, the whole structure must support the longer format. More tyres, more service visits, more driving days, more days of recce...equals more expenses. Who pays for that? Who wants that other than a small group of old farts who crave for nostalgy? The average spectator who watches the two live stages on TV or goes to spectate one stage on his domestic rally? The drivers for example have said rallies could be already shorter than they are now.

a) The average Greek spectator laughs at this year's Acropolis. No Greek spectator considers this year's rally worthy of the name Acropolis. (This year's Acropolis is soft, despite being silly short). It is not "small group of old farts", it is almost everyone.
b) It is not nostalgy. It is purely an opinion that not all rallies should be just sprints and some of them should have the endurance element.
c) There can be a three days Acropolis, with exactly the same format as this year's, but with more than 500 km of SS. No extra service parks, just extra tyre changes. The increase in cost for the organizer will be a very small percentage of the total cost. There is no need for extra days for recce and the increase in recce fuel will be less than 150 euros per crew, there is no increase in cost for hotels and the only actual increase will be on the cost of tyres. OK, it is 12 tyres more per 4WD car. A cost of about 4000 euros. I don't think that any of these teams is not able to afford it for one or two rallies per year.

[dimviii]

are they a bit higher on suspension,or is just my impression?
https://twitter.com/RallySportMag/status/1407298714905964544

[mknight]

I would guess the cost of running a WRC car per stage km is quite high, especially for a rough rally.

[dimviii]

Colla Verglas
@CollaVerglas
Un amic em passa els kilometratges d'anteriors edicions del @wrcsafarirally
:

1983 = 5,035 kms
1985 = 5167,00 kms
1989 = 4538,00 kms
1992 = 4387,84 kms
1994 = 2393,00 kms
1995 = 2955,00 kms
1996 = 1493,20 kms
1997 = 1318,00 kms
1998 = 1063,49 lms
1999 = 1009,91 kms
2000 = 1047,26 kms
2001 = 1079,81 kms
2002 = 936,05 kms
2021 = 320,19 kms

[Tauri_J]

Points for every stage defies the nature of rallying.
Imagine the 24 hours of Le Mans assigning points after every hour, or circuit racing assigning points every single lap to the leader. There would be no "endurance" element, only sprint sprint sprint. And the winner of the event might end up 3rd in points for the weekend, which in my opinion should never happen, one power stage is enough for rallying.

Dont try to compare Le Mans 24h to WRC...theres no comparison. WRC is now a sprint no question about it. Theres rarely any endurance element left. Obviously points system need a complete overhaul.

100 for winner 70 for 2nd etc
20 stages and 20 extra points
PS 10 points

[AnttiL]

c) There can be a three days Acropolis, with exactly the same format as this year's, but with more than 500 km of SS. No extra service parks, just extra tyre changes. The increase in cost for the organizer will be a very small percentage of the total cost. There is no need for extra days for recce and the increase in recce fuel will be less than 150 euros per crew, there is no increase in cost for hotels and the only actual increase will be on the cost of tyres. OK, it is 12 tyres more per 4WD car. A cost of about 4000 euros. I don't think that any of these teams is not able to afford it for one or two rallies per year.

If it's so simple and cheap, why did this year's Acropolis become so short?

I would claim extra recce days would be needed almost certainly for a 500 km route. Of course it depends on how dense the route is. As for extra costs, every stage you arrange requires personnel, marshalls, medical personnel, that is not free. And of course the road repairs.

[focus206]

Dont try to compare Le Mans 24h to WRC...theres no comparison. WRC is now a sprint no question about it. Theres rarely any endurance element left. Obviously points system need a complete overhaul.

100 for winner 70 for 2nd etc
20 stages and 20 extra points
PS 10 points

WRC is not a total sprint. Events' Km might be less, but in more rounds than not you see drivers lifting their foot and controlling to reach the end safely. Less than in the past, but I see no reason to add points for every stage to de-naturalize rallying even more.
If you give many points per stage win, it leads to the absurdity of driver A ending up behind driver B in the classification, but collecting more points. If you give only few points (like 100 points for rally win and 1 point for stage win), then almost nothing changes from how things are now. No one would push to the limit and risk to crash out for 1 point more, unless you're a championship competitor in the last round I guess. Maybe super-rally competitors would push more since they have nothing else to lose.

[AnttiL]

WRC is not a total sprint. Events' Km might be less, but in more rounds than not you see drivers lifting their foot and controlling to reach the end safely. Less than in the past, but I see no reason to add points for every stage to de-naturalize rallying even more.
If you give many points per stage win, it leads to the absurdity of driver A ending up behind driver B in the classification, but collecting more points. If you give only few points (like 100 points for rally win and 1 point for stage win), then almost nothing changes from how things are now. No one would push to the limit and risk to crash out for 1 point more, unless you're a championship competitor in the last round I guess. Maybe super-rally competitors would push more since they have nothing else to lose.

Also, it would be tempting to still cruise and save your tyres on the three first Sunday stages if it helps you get 10 points from the power stage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Thierry Neuville @thierryneuville

We wanted the adventure and now we have it ! The stages of @wrcsafarirally are beautiful but also very rough in some places. Here, the word « challenging » finds its meaning ! It will be a tough event but we will do the best we can to get a good result on this 6th #WRC round.

[dimviii]

AfricaFlag of KenyaFlag of United KingdomFlag of South Africa
@kukuandchips

Just seen some pictures of soy sambu after a recce, very badly rutted already

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4fSZ-wX0AMBMaQ?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

Sean Cardovillis
@sean_cardo

Hell's Gate stage.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4d5HOBWYAAaWnM?format=jpg&name=small

[denkimi]

In 10 years time we have 2 day rally's of no more than 200 km's.

Why not do single day rally's of just 3 stages and 50km, that would be perfect to show on tv. Who cares about fans anyway.

[Tauri_J]

AfricaFlag of KenyaFlag of United KingdomFlag of South Africa
@kukuandchips

Just seen some pictures of soy sambu after a recce, very badly rutted already

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4fSZ-wX0AMBMaQ?format=jpg&name=large

I expect a lot complaining but they are best drivers in the world and should just shut up and drive.

[Rallyper]

Anyone could win this. It´s just about luck and skills...

[dimviii]

WRC freak
@FakeHinkelstein

Loving some of #SafariRallyKenya comunications: "Never put your hand in a hole or under a rock as these are the homes of snakes, scorpions and spiders"
"There are lots of baboons in the area who can be aggressive when looking for food. Keep all your snacks well hidden" #wrc

[mknight]

In 10 years time we have 2 day rally's of no more than 200 km's.

Why not do single day rally's of just 3 stages and 50km, that would be perfect to show on tv. Who cares about fans anyway.

10 years ago average rally length was a bit over 350 km. At that rate, going to 200 km would take some 50-60 years minimum.

[AnttiL]

10 years ago average rally length was a bit over 350 km. At that rate, going to 200 km would take some 50-60 years minimum.

Rally maximum lengths:
1986: 500 km
1997: 400 km
2005: 360 km
2009: 400 km
2010: 500 km
2019: 350 km

Events after 2010 which have exceeded 400 km are (length mentioned if over 450 km)
2010 Germany
2011 Catalunya
2012 Alsace, Catalunya, Mexico, Acropolis, New Zealand, Monte Carlo, Portugal, Argentina (502 km)
2013 Monte (468 km), Argentina
2014 Argentina

So, the rules have allowed 400-500 km rallies from 2010 to 2018, but rarely the organizers were able to get such kilometres. Why? It's not worth the extra effort.

Exactly a year ago I interviewed some rallying people and collected comments from drivers etc. and basically the outcome was that the current format is perfect and should not be shortened or lengthened (although just after this article came out we started getting these shortened COVID-era events).

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2020/06/15/wrc-event-in-three-days/

[AnttiL]

AfricaFlag of KenyaFlag of United KingdomFlag of South Africa
@kukuandchips

Just seen some pictures of soy sambu after a recce, very badly rutted already

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4fSZ-wX0AMBMaQ?format=jpg&name=large

Wow, thats insane...this proves my point that those tracks will not clean, as there is not a hard base to come out.

[scn]

If it's so simple and cheap, why did this year's Acropolis become so short?

I would claim extra recce days would be needed almost certainly for a 500 km route. Of course it depends on how dense the route is. As for extra costs, every stage you arrange requires personnel, marshalls, medical personnel, that is not free. And of course the road repairs.

There is route with repeated stages that does not need extra recce days. And also some of the existing stages can become longer. For example, there is no logical reason why on Sunday they put the 33km of Pirgos only once. And it is rather ridiculous to call "Tarzan" a special stage with only 17 km. The true Tarzan has at least double. There is no financial explanation why they stop the Elatia stage at its 11th km, while they can have the whole true Elatia stage which can be from 34 to 40 km. There is no financial reason why they do not put much longer format of Loutraki stage and no financial reason why they do it only once. Also Eleftherohori has a format that can reach many more km. It is a curious thing they put this short version, because money is the same. The wonderful Gravia stage could be done twice without any increase in cost. It just needs a decision that cars will have more km without service park. But THIS would be a true endurance rally.
It CAN be done, with very small increase in cost.
Sprint events like Finland, Argentina, New Zealand are one aspect. The other aspect, the true endurance events, is not here anymore. To my opinion, it needs to come back.

[AnttiL]

Right, I forgot Acropolis will have many single run stages. They could add 112 km by running all the single-runs twice. However, that could make the itinerary very tight with the long liaisons?

[EstWRC]

My very short prediction this time

Ogier wins by big margin and is the only one not to hit any trouble

All the rest will hit trouble (punctures, technical, mechanical, rocks on the line etc)

[steve.mandzij]

I'm slightly hoping Tanak will win for my pickems. I can't see Adamo settling for purely survival after losing two straight events to failures while at the top.

However, you might be right. If there's somebody who knows how to nurse a car (and be fast while doing it), its Ogier.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[focus206]

My very short prediction this time

Ogier wins by big margin and is the only one not to hit any trouble

All the rest will hit trouble (punctures, technical, mechanical, rocks on the line etc)

I say a herd of buffalos will wait on the edge of the road for Ogier to pass and then get in the way for all other drivers :D
Jokes aside, I'm bummed out because Hyundai's mistakes, lack of pace and reliability is already depriving us from what could be a great battle for the title. I really don't see Neuville nor Tanak be in contention this year. But let's see how unpredictable Safari can be.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.facebook.com/RallyCowRo

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4g-d1VXoAAYvSp?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4g-d1VXIAUhXfY?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4g-d1XWUAQXx3t?format=jpg&name=medium

[SubaruNorway]

Those ruts looks like overheating waiting to happen, if any Hyundai get through this i will eat my shoe...

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4g-d1UX0A4a-WS?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4g_L6iWEAUrz0E?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4g_L6dXMAE5GJf?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4gxqulXEAUiBGZ?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4gxquhXwAc-FG7?format=jpg&name=medium

[mknight]

My very short prediction this time

Ogier wins by big margin and is the only one not to hit any trouble

All the rest will hit trouble (punctures, technical, mechanical, rocks on the line etc)

Well Tanak actually won Turkey 2018 (even though he was only 4th fastest car) which is maybe the most similar rally in recent history.

But there Toyota went in expecting they won't be able to compete on speed and picked setup accordingly (stiffer springs according to post event interviews).

Is Tanak/Hyundai ready to take it easy now after last 2 rallies? Ogier likely is, since he leading WRC after all.

[steve.mandzij]

Maybe far too early to say, but there's rain forecasted for the weekend, 40% to 70%. Surely would make things interesting!

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[Tauri_J]

Not seeing anything significant. Dry season there right now.

[AnttiL]

Well Tanak actually won Turkey 2018 (even though he was only 4th fastest car) which is maybe the most similar rally in recent history.

Yes but this will be different in character to Turkey.

[MartijnS]

From the Info i got from a reliable source 33 cars did not meet WRC Standards at Scrutineering and were referd up to today.

https://twitter.com/nelly_ron/status/1407589614920011780

[pantealex]

From the Info i got from a reliable source 33 cars did not meet WRC Standards at Scrutineering and were referd up to today.


it´s possible because Safari has 30 NAT cars.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/68113-safari-rally-kenya-2021/?ct=319

[TypeR]

Brand new cars for Ogier, Evans, Rovanperä

[Rally Hokkaido]

From the Info i got from a reliable source 33 cars did not meet WRC Standards at Scrutineering and were referd up to today.

https://twitter.com/nelly_ron/status/1407589614920011780

Welcome to WRC!

[Rally Hokkaido]

Good evening all, Shakedown should be starting shortly.

[mknight]

Neuville was driving much more like I thought they would do here, fast, but controlled. Tanak similar.
Evans was smashing into everything (bumps, banks...), didn't look like something sustainable for the long rally. We'll see.

[Tauri_J]

Nice cut there by Sordo. No haybales in Kenya ;)

[er88]

Broken hyundai already

[Rally Hokkaido]

Solberg clipped a rock and has stopped

[mknight]

Btw. Solberg is indeed using the "Loubet hybrid" Hyundai spec this time. Unlike in Sweden or Alba.

[AnttiL]

Btw. Solberg is indeed using the "Loubet hybrid" Hyundai spec this time. Unlike in Sweden or Alba.

Arctic ;)

[dupanton]

Doesn't look promising for Hyundai, that was a very light touch for Solberg

[EstWRC]

Can’t believe this

[Tauri_J]

he hit a rock, cars tend to broke when hitting them

[Rally Hokkaido]

From the onboard it seemed like a small hit, but....

[er88]

he hit a rock, cars tend to broke when hitting themWell Hyundai could be fucked then, because it wasn't that big a hit. And although this won't be as rough as the old safari, you can be sure there will be harder hits than that this weekend....

[mknight]

Btw. Solberg is indeed using the "Loubet hybrid" Hyundai spec this time. Unlike in Sweden or Alba.

Actually I have to correct myself (appart from the Sweden/Arctic mixup)

On this picture:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/68113-safari-rally-kenya-2021/3327/

You can see that the aero is a completely ancient configuration. Last time used by the main team before Finland 2019. (one diveplane at front, upwards curved ends of front wheelarches).
Interestingly the chassis itself has seemingly been used with newer parts after that.

So Hyundai is just cost-saving by using up old front aero parts they have laying around. Anyway the main point still stands, it's nothing like the "factory spec" cars Solberg had in Arctic and Alba.

[Tom K]

Ian Duncan, winner of Safari 1994, will go with zero car.

[dimviii]

Evans

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4kDY_eWEAkrIQG?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

Robert Reid’s lasting love for the Safari Rally

Reid won the Safari twice with Richard Burns, so it's little surprise it's a rally he remains hugely fond of

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/robert-reids-lasting-love-for-the-safari-rally/

[Red bull]

Has the shake down been stopped because of Oliver's breakdown?

[bandit12]

Has the shake down been stopped because of Oliver's breakdown?

Are you still using internet explorer?

[Red bull]

No updates on this wall 🤣

[doubled1978]

This rally is probably going to be a lottery, even reading the drivers comments about road evolution, they haven’t got a clue what’s going to happen. Should be interesting to say the least..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Remote service for SD
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4kDpHgXEAEkDCH?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRCWings
@llluis555
Toyota appears to be the only WRC team using visible front guards at the shakedown. These protections have already been seen in some previous tests, to protect the radiators from stone and animal impacts.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4kfF1eWYAULLQj?format=jpg&name=large

[AnttiL]

This rally is probably going to be a lottery, even reading the drivers comments about road evolution, they haven’t got a clue what’s going to happen. Should be interesting to say the least..

Yes, this is why it's great to have this event on the calendar! :)

[doubled1978]

Yes, this is why it's great to have this event on the calendar! :)

Oh I agree. I’m interested to see what approach the guys take, even being steady and careful will be no guarantee of no problems. 2nd run through some of these stages could be murder!

[Rallyper]

Guys! Pickems close tomorrow at 1300 CET. Make your Pickems now!!

[m-ast]

From the Info i got from a reliable source 33 cars did not meet WRC Standards at Scrutineering and were referd up to today.

https://twitter.com/nelly_ron/status/1407589614920011780

Seeing start list finally only 16 didn't pass scrutiny, but quite a big number for sure

[lmmjvss]

Hmmm... Im starting to think this rally will be SO rough that teams should have brought Hillux, F-150 and Santa Cruz instead of Yaris, Fiesta and i20 haha
Just sayin'https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f5/c0/33/f5c033e5366f4af4d93c8b456e76ac7b.jpg

[dimviii]

Oliver Solberg
@OliverSolberg01
·
37m
New update from @wrcsafarirally
Shakedown, and we're back in business! OK hand The car is fixed and we've been able to do some runs through the stage!

[mknight]

Guys! Pickems close tomorrow at 1300 CET. Make your Pickems now!!

I suggest you check the entry list and correct yours ;)

[dimviii]

does hyundais have additional extra front grille protection? i think that i see something different at front grille,or not?

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/202780676_184692010330713_7325055688778475326_n.jp g?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=Vw81VHwt7DIAX-E9Q1f&_nc_oc=AQmaewUFj1KhjrhAkxrHdjs8inoMNSyjlDo4ll6nKCR gRYtYORHLn56MQGvTtg08OwI&_nc_ht=scontent-bru2-1.xx&oh=303b6d170561d9ca97c2d144a3dfff1e&oe=60D8F1CA
https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/204728314_184691980330716_7179328855177858771_n.jp g?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=4nkaV8uCIDYAX8YHAMi&_nc_ht=scontent-bru2-1.xx&oh=e69fa15d3a17695a1289ba414632a01f&oe=60D822FB

[pantealex]

https://storage.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/sportity-storage/o/ff8c6dad-bdc4-4e19-863c-51d2cbe802b1%2Fcce18eb9-4957-4e58-991e-9220c228070e_Start%20List%20for%20Section%201.pdf? generation=1624460402035679&alt=media
Starters list for Thursday (mixed/reversed)

https://storage.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/sportity-storage/o/ff8c6dad-bdc4-4e19-863c-51d2cbe802b1%2Ff42822f8-8d06-417f-a08b-9f99ea9e678b_Start%20List%20for%20Section%202.pdf? generation=1624460416888384&alt=media
Starters list for Friday

https://storage.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/sportity-storage/o/ff8c6dad-bdc4-4e19-863c-51d2cbe802b1%2F75121ebe-cb65-4c84-be1e-ef0c410078d2_Second%20Amended%20Entry%20List.pdf?g eneration=1624463663002090&alt=media
Latest entrylist with 23 FIA legal cars (+15 NAT = 38 Totally)
so 10/23 will get WRC point(s)

[mknight]

Pretty likely WRC cars can retire for 1-2 stages and still finish in top 10.

[dimviii]

Ogier onboard at shakedown
https://youtu.be/ljHJ1w4PH1o

[dimviii]

how the organization will avoid at such stages some ''big cuts''?

[racerx1979]

Yeah not surprised. Kenya has a lot to learn , but I'm sure with time they will get there

[seb_sh]

Very excited for this rally, even though it's not as long as it used to be, it will still be something else and a very tough challenge. The art of speed vs reliability will matter most on this one.

[SubaruNorway]

how the organization will avoid at such stages some ''big cuts''?

As long as you go through the red arrows i guess they will be more lenient here than elsewhere

[PLuto]

Remote service for SD
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4kDpHgXEAEkDCH?format=jpg&name=medium

Isnt this version better than modern castles in regular service area?

[AnttiL]

how the organization will avoid at such stages some ''big cuts''?

I have read about some anti cut devices being deployed, likely piles of dirt

[Red bull]

Bull bar and snorkel in wrc3. https://twitter.com/BenConsty/status/1407654808220221446?s=19

[SubaruNorway]

I guess that's one of the cars that didn't make it through scrutineering so they had to create their own event for them?

[mknight]

Isnt this version better than modern castles in regular service area?

In a way yes, but it wouldn't work much when it's raining or snowing.

Making a rule that teams can't have (tent) roof over the car would be extremely artificial when even tiny 2 man teams on local rallies have them.....

When you have a tent, usually with tightly parked trailers/lorries next to it the looks are not much different than a modular "building". You could make a rule that forbids multiple-level buildings, but not sure if that really changes much.

[Jarek Z]

Zasada is ready!
https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/news/zasada-po-testowym/6600758/

[Tom K]

I guess that's one of the cars that didn't make it through scrutineering so they had to create their own event for them?

I do not really get it this entry list amendments. Majority of cars were in NAT class anyway. Part of them stayed in WRC rally but still cannot take points. And the rest was "exluded" and put into new rally, being in same NAT class. Moreover scorers and non-scorers in WRC rally are mixed...

[Jarek Z]

Hmmm... Im starting to think this rally will be SO rough that teams should have brought Hillux, F-150 and Santa Cruz instead of Yaris, Fiesta and i20 haha
Just sayin'https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f5/c0/33/f5c033e5366f4af4d93c8b456e76ac7b.jpg

Maybe Martin Prokop should switch his car back to this one? ;)
https://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/imagenes/2017/01/martin-prokop-f150-dakar-2017.jpg

[Jarek Z]

71 beautiful (but small) photos from Safari Rally Kenya:
https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/photos/?filters%5Bevent%5D%5B0%5D=269564

[Hartusvuori]

I guess that's one of the cars that didn't make it through scrutineering so they had to create their own event for them?

Tundo's Polo made it through scrutineering and starts the WRC event. It'll be the second car into the stage today.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

does hyundais have additional extra front grille protection? i think that i see something different at front grille,or not?




WRCWings

Hyundai using the front grille protection system already seen in previous events to prevent leaves accumulation, during the SD and possibly during the whole Safari Rally.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4opTXcX0AIykPq?format=jpg&name=medium

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier's relaxed old-school Safari prep:

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/ogier-cool-on-kenya-prep/

[Rally Hokkaido]

I do not really get it this entry list amendments. Majority of cars were in NAT class anyway. Part of them stayed in WRC rally but still cannot take points. And the rest was "exluded" and put into new rally, being in same NAT class. Moreover scorers and non-scorers in WRC rally are mixed...

Even NAT category cars in a WRC round have to comply with FIA AppJ Safety Regs as applied by the WRC Technical Delegate. Some examples that excluded teams maybe wouldn't want to/couldn't fix in time for re-inspection are rollcage welding (esp. gaps where joint is not easily seen), inadequate firewalls and driving suits with badges sewn through all three layers.

[Tom K]

Thanks. I understand the needs to comply with regs, but I do not understand this division and starting order. To be accurate: If car no 31, eligible to participate in "main" rally, finishes 10th, will the driver/co-driver get 1 point?

[Rally Hokkaido]

Thanks. I understand the needs to comply with regs, but I do not understand this division and starting order. To be accurate: If car no 31, eligible to participate in "main" rally, finishes 10th, will the driver/co-driver get 1 point?
According to WRC Sporting Reg 12.3.1 National Car competitors cannot score points.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS1 underway... this is a big one for a Super-Special.

[Hartusvuori]

Thanks. I understand the needs to comply with regs, but I do not understand this division and starting order. To be accurate: If car no 31, eligible to participate in "main" rally, finishes 10th, will the driver/co-driver get 1 point?

I'd say no. Similar to 2017 Australia where two national cars finished in top 10 yet Rovanperä 12th o/a got his first championship point.

[Tauri_J]

Wow that could have been a huge blunder

[Tom K]

WTF they did? Started another pair before Sobieslaw finished?:eek:

[dimviii]

Tyres for SS1

Here's what the WRC runners have chosen for the rally's opener:



Solberg/Sordo/Tänak/Neuville:
4x hard compound, 1x soft compound



Ogier/Katsuta/Evans/Bertelli/Rovanperä:
1x hard compound, 4x soft compound



Greensmith/Fourmaux:
5x hard compound

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Did the old guy finish the stage ?

[jonkka]

Did the old guy finish the stage ?

Yes, at 5m 11,2secs

[steve.mandzij]

I have a feeling that Oliver is going to have a really good result if he manages to finish.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I have a feeling that Oliver is going to have a really good result if he manages to finish.


That goes for all of them ! ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville ran wide.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Toyota 1-2-3.

The seemed to have better traction which showed most off the start.

[dimviii]

plenty of people to see wrc cars
https://twitter.com/JeromeRoussel/status/1408013041598402564

[AnttiL]

Toyota 1-2-3.

The seemed to have better traction which showed most off the start.

Soft tyres, others were on hards.

[Tom K]

Seems like one car from WRC 3 is lost :) Aakif Virani with Skoda.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Soft tyres, others were on hards.

Tanak wasnt.

[EstWRC]

Tanak wasnt.

Look post 193

[bomber21]

a) The average Greek spectator laughs at this year's Acropolis. No Greek spectator considers this year's rally worthy of the name Acropolis. (This year's Acropolis is soft, despite being silly short). It is not "small group of old farts", it is almost everyone.

You are exaggerating. The average Greek spectator is happy to have WRC back to Greece and understands that this is 2021 and not 1990. Rallies are shorter and softer and if you want to be in the calendar you must follow this rule.

PS: It is not really soft, the stages are rough enough. The ERC guys in 2017 or 2018 were almost crying with all these huge rocks Eleftherohori or Paleohori was full of. SS Pavliani (will be part of Acropolis Rally) also last week during Rally Fthiotidos had also rocks that can destroy cars.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://youtu.be/tQfh6cYjbr4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Look post 193

Dirtfish
Crews are expected to almost exclusively use their hard tyres this weekend given the high-speed nature of several of the tests, so Tänak was left pleased with his decision to use softs on his Hyundai for the superspecial.

Tanak: “This one was quite slippy. We used the soft tyre so we have some good tyres now so should be OK.”

[TypeR]

Dirtfish
Crews are expected to almost exclusively use their hard tyres this weekend given the high-speed nature of several of the tests, so Tänak was left pleased with his decision to use softs on his Hyundai for the superspecial.

Tanak: “This one was quite slippy. We used the soft tyre so we have some good tyres now so should be OK.”

live from Tänak: ,,I'm happy we didn't use the soft tyre, so we have some good tyres now..''

[Tauri_J]

They need softs here imo because of the soft surface, so he went with hards like pirelli data suggests.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4pXpbCWQA4brow?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

Scott Martin
@scottmartinat
·
18m
This was incredible, the 95km road section back to service completely closed to the public and lined with spectators the WHOLE way!! Welcome to Kenya Flag of Kenya OK hand @wrcsafarirally
#wrc

[dodge33cymru]

I was cynical about this event, but I was completely wrong to be - seeing some of the clips from road sections and the excitement on the road is superb, a lot of what the sport's been missing - it doesn't matter a jolt that it's not the old-style Safari - Neuville's quote on shakedown was spot on

[Fast Eddie WRC]

In case you dont know and hear it mentioned a lot already...

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/fech-fech/

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4oxJLCWUAIornt?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4oxJK9WYAE_VqB?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4oxJK_X0AEQR2S?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4oxJK-X0AEMDaw?format=jpg&name=medium

[Rally Hokkaido]

Hi everyone, let's go on Safari!

[Tauri_J]

I have a hunch that Ogier and Evans will lose a lot starting from the front. Not because of loose surface but it will be very hard to find perfect harmony between speed and reliability. Will be much easier with every passing cars because of lines created.

[Rally Hokkaido]

I have a hunch that Ogier and Evans will lose a lot starting from the front. Not because of loose surface but it will be very hard to find perfect harmony between speed and reliability. Will be much easier with every passing cars because of lines created.

I agree. Listening to the Service Park interviews, the drivers are all saying that they are heading into unknown conditions. Eg. Dani mentioned about the 'kickers' - those small, sharp bumps we saw at shakedown. He said they have lots of extra notes, but really don't know whether they can maintain high speed over them without suffering a 'kick' or not.

[AnttiL]

Good morning! Interesting moments ahead, lots of unknowns.

[er88]

Here we go!!!

[dimviii]

Good morning guys!!

Tyre news

All drivers except from Thierry Neuville have taken 2x hard compound tyres and 4x soft compound tyres for the morning loop.



Neuville has opted to carry less weight, with 1x hard compound and 4x soft compound.

[SubaruNorway]

1:05 is where that big rock in the road is in the slow chicane

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4q4F0NWEA4Duvn?format=jpg&name=large

[TypeR]

Good morning guys!!

Tyre news

All drivers except from Thierry Neuville have taken 2x hard compound tyres and 4x soft compound tyres for the morning loop.



Neuville has opted to carry less weight, with 1x hard compound and 4x soft compound.

why risk with only 1 spare.. 65km of new unknown stages on bumpy field/forest roads..

[Rally Hokkaido]

Elfyn 3 secs up on Seb at first split

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Morning all !

[er88]

Very sandy

[meh]

In theory, this is rally for M-Sport drivers - car performance probably do not play that big role this time.

[Tauri_J]

Tänak looked very fast there

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville tyre strategy paying off in speed so far.

[MentalParadox]

Hyundais once again looking supremely fast on the rough... but can the cars make it to the end of SS18...?

[Tauri_J]

windscreen washer nozzle leaking on Ott's car

[er88]

How many stalls has Katsuta had in the last few rallies? Needs to sort that out

[TypeR]

,,million dollar cars'' and a freakin' windscreen washer is leaking and ruining stage time..

[Tauri_J]

Gus really slow..

[Rallyper]

Morning guys. Exciting days ahead...

[jonkka]

In theory, this is rally for M-Sport drivers - car performance probably do not play that big role this time.

Except when it's Greensmith...

[1988senna]

what's the flashing light ?I see Hyundai cars have that in yesterday SS1

[Tauri_J]

anti wildlife device :D

[TypeR]

better start off a bit slower and see what's going on rather than try to push and lose some seconds less or crash. they wouldn't fight with top5 anyway..

[MentalParadox]

Why is Greensmith so slow, even compared to Taka who had a long stall...?

[MentalParadox]

what's the flashing light ?I see Hyundai cars have that in yesterday SS1

It's to scare off zebras, who are slower to flee than most other animals in the region.

[doubled1978]

Road looks like it’s really deteriorating badly already in places, second run could be awful.

[dimviii]

Good morning guys!!

Tyre news

All drivers except from Thierry Neuville have taken 2x hard compound tyres and 4x soft compound tyres for the morning loop.



Neuville has opted to carry less weight, with 1x hard compound and 4x soft compound.

Pirelli shows 6 tyres for Neuville,while wrc.com 5

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4s_7KoWEAIhMsY?format=jpg&name=small

[MentalParadox]

Solberg thoroughly beaten by Fourmaux.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Re Fourmaux, M-Sport only have a skeleton service crew here due to covid travel restrictions.

[er88]

Solberg's car crabbing apparently

[MentalParadox]

Sounds like Solberg's car was crabbing at the stop control, could explain the poor time compared to Fourmaux.

[AnttiL]

Neuville tyre strategy paying off in speed so far.

Everyone had four softs on this stage anyway

[Rallyper]

The approach in Safari Rally Kenya should definately be not to rush from the start... I think this rally could even be won by Bertelli. ;)

[er88]

Solberg thoroughly beaten by Fourmaux.It's his 1st stage on gravel in a WRC car - lets not expect too much. Especially on an event like this

[MentalParadox]

It's his 1st stage on gravel in a WRC car - lets not expect too much. Especially on an event like this

He has some kind of issue causing his car to crab. I sure hope this rally doesn't end on day 1 for him already.