The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is gearing up for the 2024 season with significant rule changes, and a revolutionary points system is expected to elevate excitement, especially during the 2024 WRC Safari Rally Kenya.
Local enthusiasts believe these changes, particularly a unique points structure, will enhance the competitive nature of events like the Safari Rally.
Dennis Mwenda, former Two-Wheel Drive champion in Kenya, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a game-changer that will make events, including Safari, more thrilling and competitive.”
Under the new rules, starting with Rallye Monte Carlo, crews will earn points based on the general classification on Saturday night, ranging from 18 points for the win to a single point for 10th place. However, these points are only confirmed if a crew finishes Sunday to claim Friday-Saturday points.
This approach aims to discourage drivers from conserving tires for the Power Stage on Sunday, as points are now distributed based on Saturday’s general classification. Ott Tanak, WRC Hyundai Motorsport star, suggested that while the new system won’t alter drivers’ approach significantly, the meaning of victory is perceived as “less.”
“Let’s see how it works out. In terms of approach, it won’t change anything as you need to take the maximum from everything,” Tanak said. “It just gets a bit more complicated as well. I guess for us as drivers, it doesn’t really change anything. Yeah, for sure, it means that you have to maximize on Sunday.”
Adding to the anticipation, the 2024 WRC Safari Rally Kenya will return to its traditional Easter date on March 28. This shift is expected to enhance the event’s atmosphere, drawing more spectators to Naivasha for the iconic Safari.
Further changes might include relocating the ceremonial finish podium, awards ceremony, and post-event press conference from the Service Park at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) to the end of the Power Stage at Hell’s Gate National Park.
The Safari Rally, as the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships after Rallye Monte (January 25-28) and Rally Sweden (15-18 February), promises a thrilling and competitive spectacle.
