President William Ruto has called for the private sector to explore untapped opportunities in the World Rally Championship, which will ensure that they are not only cost-effective but also improving the overall experience.
He was speaking during the closing ceremony of the 2024 WRC Safari rally in Kenya, where Kalle Rovanpera of Toyota Gazoo Racing emerged victorious.
“During the closing ceremony of the 2024 WRC Safari Rally at the Hell’s Gate, Nakuru County. Congratulations Kalle Rovanpera of Toyota Gazoo Racing for emerging victorious in the competitive race,” noted Ruto, further calling upon the private sector to come on board for future competitions.
“We invite the private sector to play a greater role in the management of the WRC Safari Rally and explore untapped opportunities. This will not only ensure that the event is cost-effective but also enhance the overall experience, making it truly magical,” said President Ruto.
We invite the private sector to play a greater role in the management of the WRC Safari Rally and explore untapped opportunities. This will not only ensure that the event is cost-effective but also enhance the overall experience, making it truly magical.
During the closing… pic.twitter.com/zUkLBYMccr
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) March 31, 2024
Having won the race which proved ‘grueling’ to many of the drivers, Kalle Rovanperä became a two-time winner of Safari Rally Kenya, bringing to an end the African fixture with a 1m 37.8s victory margin having led since Friday morning.
This was also his 12th career victory FIA World Rally Championship round so far this season, characterized by Rovanperä’s meticulous balance of both speed and maturity that ultimately secured his 12th career victory.
“It’s always special to win here, which is also a legendary event for Toyota. We’ve always been so good here and that’s continuing. Like they say in Africa: the car in front is always a Toyota!” noted Rovanperä while speaking to RI Sports.
He further sent his appreciation to the rest of his team, including his co-driver Jonne Halttunen who together built a lead of almost one minute after winning all of Friday’s rock-strewn stages around Lake Naivasha, then kept his nose clean to end Saturday two minutes clear as the chasing pack.
“A big thanks to the team, everybody made a big effort to make the car work so well. I think me and Jonne did a good job, I don’t think you can have a better Safari Rally than we did. No issues, clever driving and I think it was a good effort,” Rovanpera added.
#WRC – @KalleRovanpera secures commanding victory at the @wrcsafarirally 🇰🇪@OfficialWRC #SafariRallyKenyahttps://t.co/jTkXbW1WYk
— FIA (@fia) March 31, 2024
The WRC returns to asphalt for next month’s Croatia Rally which takes place in the capital city of Zagreb from 18 – 21 April.
