Raceboy
12-01-2002, 13:50
New rally boss David Richards has confirmed that the Safari Rally in Kenya could be excluded from this year's calendar if the FIA deems it to be too dangerous.
The event runs through the heart of Africa's Rift Valley, but its high-speed, long-range stages are compounded by regular encounters with robust wildlife and even stronger local vehicles, which all find their way onto the route. Unpredictable weather has also been known to wash away parts of the stage. Although recent events generally have passed off safely, teams fear that someone is going to be killed or seriously injured should current conditions persist.
The series promoter told news agency Reuters that he would be listening to drivers' complaints over safety and medical provisions before speaking with the FIA, and would accept any decision the governing body recommended - even if it meant that one of the championship's most charismatic events had to fall by the wayside.
"There are huge problems with the Safari Rally," Richards conceded, "The drivers believe it is unsafe, and that the event has not got the right resources in the event of a serious accident. They do not believe that we are doing enough to prevent the potential accidents in the first place, and that the facilities already there are inadequate.
"I would not like to see a world championship without the Safari Rally, but will have no hesitation in supporting the FIA if they come to the conclusion that any event in the championship is unsafe."
The Safari Rally is scheduled to take place between 11-14 July 2002.
een WK zonder safari zou ni hetzelfde zijn zene :(
The event runs through the heart of Africa's Rift Valley, but its high-speed, long-range stages are compounded by regular encounters with robust wildlife and even stronger local vehicles, which all find their way onto the route. Unpredictable weather has also been known to wash away parts of the stage. Although recent events generally have passed off safely, teams fear that someone is going to be killed or seriously injured should current conditions persist.
The series promoter told news agency Reuters that he would be listening to drivers' complaints over safety and medical provisions before speaking with the FIA, and would accept any decision the governing body recommended - even if it meant that one of the championship's most charismatic events had to fall by the wayside.
"There are huge problems with the Safari Rally," Richards conceded, "The drivers believe it is unsafe, and that the event has not got the right resources in the event of a serious accident. They do not believe that we are doing enough to prevent the potential accidents in the first place, and that the facilities already there are inadequate.
"I would not like to see a world championship without the Safari Rally, but will have no hesitation in supporting the FIA if they come to the conclusion that any event in the championship is unsafe."
The Safari Rally is scheduled to take place between 11-14 July 2002.
een WK zonder safari zou ni hetzelfde zijn zene :(