The iconic Safari Rally has officially been reinstated on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, marking a significant milestone for motorsport enthusiasts and fans.
In a nod to tradition, the Safari Rally will return to its original Easter weekend slot for the first time in 26 years, harking back to an era when millions of Kenyans eagerly anticipated the thrill of this iconic event.
The 2024 WRC calendar features 13 rounds and will kick off with the Rallye Monte-Carlo from January 25 to 28, a challenging event based in the Col de Turini passes high in the French Alps. Following closely is the Rally Sweden, the only pure snow and ice fixture on the calendar, set for February 15 to 18.
The Croatia Rally, a fan-favourite since its WRC debut in 2021, is scheduled for April 18 to 23. Its unique asphalt tracks around Zagreb promise a mix of smooth and broken roads, while the Vodafone Rally de Portugal from May 9 to 12 returns with its legendary gravel tests.
The Mediterranean charm awaits at Rally Italia Sardegna from May 30 to June 2, followed by the highly anticipated return of ORLEN Rally Poland from June 27 to 30, after a hiatus at the top level of the sport since 2017. Poland’s fast gravel roads promise a thrilling spectacle, enhanced by the passionate local fan base.
The calendar also welcomes a newcomer with Tet Rally Latvia set for July 18 to 21, located in the vibrant southern coastal city of Liepāja. Building on its success at the FIA European Rally Championship level, this loose-surface fixture demonstrates the pathway for events to ascend to the global stage of WRC.
Speed enthusiasts can look forward to Secto Rally Finland from August 1 to 4, known for its jaw-dropping speeds and gravity-defying jumps. The excitement takes a different form at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece from September 5 to 8, offering winding, rocky mountain stages.
South America makes its presence felt with Rally Chile Bio Bío from September 26 to 29, further emphasizing the championship’s global reach. The Central European Rally, covering Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany, will sweep across the region from October 31 to November 3 as the penultimate round.
The grand finale unfolds in Asia at FORUM8 Rally Japan from November 21 to 24. This exciting calendar not only celebrates the sport’s traditions but also sets the stage for a thrilling future.
All rounds of the WRC season will be broadcast live on WRC’s innovative new platform Rally.TV, along with traditional broadcast partners worldwide.
2024 WRC Calendar:
Rallye Monte-Carlo: January 25 – 28 (Asphalt/Ice)
Rally Sweden: February 15 – 18 (Snow)
Safari Rally Kenya: March 28 – 31 (Gravel)
Croatia Rally: April 18 – 23 (Asphalt)
Vodafone Rally de Portugal: May 9 – 12 (Gravel)
Rally Italia Sardegna: May 30 – June 2 (Gravel)
ORLEN Rally Poland: June 27 – 30 (Gravel)
Tet Rally Latvia: July 18 – 21 (Gravel)
Secto Rally Finland: August 1 – 4 (Gravel)
EKO Acropolis Rally Greece: September 5 – 8 (Gravel)
Rally Chile Bio Bío: September 26 – 29 (Gravel)
Central European Rally: October 31 – November 3 (Asphalt)
FORUM8 Rally Japan: November 21 – 24 (Asphalt)
The return of the Safari Rally to the WRC is a cause for celebration and promises an exciting season for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
