MOTORSPORTS Mark the calendar! WRC Safari Rally 2024 date released

The iconic rally returns alongside new global destinations, promising tradition and innovation.

The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) World Motor Sport Council has unveiled the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, with the iconic Safari Rally Kenya securing its place as the third round of this adrenaline-fueled motorsport extravaganza.

The world is eagerly anticipating the return of this legendary rally, as it promises to bring more excitement and challenges to both drivers and fans alike.

The 2024 Safari Rally is scheduled to take place from March 28 to March 31, 2024 with its hub centered around the vibrant cities of Nairobi and Naivasha.

Next year's event has a twist as it shifts to the Easter weekend, adding an extra layer of complexity to the rally. The Easter timing will coincide with the onset of Naivasha's rainy season, promising an even more grueling test for the world's most talented rally drivers.

The WRC calendar for 2024 is set to span from January to November, featuring several regular stops, as well as a few exciting changes. Latvia will replace Estonia in July, and Rally Poland is making a grand comeback after a hiatus since 2017, taking the spot previously occupied by Rally México on the 13-round 2024 WRC roster.

From Rally Finland in August to Rally Japan in November, the schedule largely mirrors the 2023 season, offering fans a familiar set of thrilling races. Croatia Rally, known for its unique asphalt tracks around the capital of Zagreb, is set to return in April, following its successful WRC debut in 2021. Similarly, Vodafone Rally de Portugal in May promises legendary gravel tests and a fantastic spectacle for the crowds.

Rally Italia Sardegna in late May and early June is expected to deliver a Mediterranean charm to the competition. Then comes the eagerly awaited return of ORLEN 80th Rally Poland at the end of June, promising lightning-fast gravel roads and an electric atmosphere from the passionate Polish fanbase.

A newcomer, Tet Rally Latvia, will make its debut in July, taking place in the vibrant southern coastal city of Liepāja. This loose-surface fixture has climbed the ranks from the FIA European Rally Championship, showcasing the potential for events to ascend to the global stage of WRC.

The high-octane Secto Rally Finland in August is renowned for its jaw-dropping speeds and gravity-defying jumps, promising to keep speed enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. EKO Acropolis Rally Greece in September offers a different flavor with winding, rocky mountain stages, adding a unique challenge to the mix.

In late September, Rally Chile Bio Bío reaffirms the championship's global reach, bringing South American flair to the WRC. As the season draws to a close, the Central European Rally in October will sweep across Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany as the penultimate round before the grand finale unfolds in Asia at FORUM8 Rally Japan in November.

Jona Siebel, the managing director of WRC Promoter, expressed his enthusiasm for the 2024 calendar, saying, "We're eagerly anticipating another action-packed season in 2024 with a calendar that not only celebrates our esteemed traditions but also propels us into an exciting future. Our return to Poland and our debut in Latvia underscore our commitment to delivering a fresh and exciting WRC experience for fans and competitors alike."

To ensure that fans across the globe don't miss a moment of the thrilling WRC action, every round of the 2024 season will be broadcast live on WRC's innovative new platform, Rally.TV, in addition to traditional broadcast partners.

With the return of Safari Rally Kenya, the addition of exciting new locations, and a thrilling calendar that spans the globe, the 2024 World Rally Championship promises to be a spectacular year for motorsport enthusiasts and rally drivers, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation in the world of rallying.