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The disqualification was a result of findings presented in a report from the clerk of the course, which was independently initiated by the Safari Rally organizers.
Thierry Neuville, the Belgian driver representing Hyundai Motorsport, was been disqualified from the Safari Rally Kenya following the discovery of illegal reconnaissance activities during the event.
The decision was made by event stewards after a hearing held at the rally base in Naivasha, resulting in Neuville's eighth-place finish being nullified.
The disqualification was a result of findings presented in a report from the clerk of the course, which was independently initiated by the Safari Rally organizers.
The report highlighted instances where an unauthorized individual was observed driving on routes designated as special stages for the rally during the reconnaissance phase.
The person in question was discovered on private property without proper authorization and was stopped by officials on two separate days.
Evidence presented to the stewards suggested a connection between this individual and Neuville.
When questioned by the stewards, Neuville promptly admitted to being aware of the person in question and acknowledged seeking their assistance in identifying specific concerns, such as areas where rocks had moved, in certain special stages.
However, this admission did not prevent the stewards from enforcing the disqualification.
The decision was based on Article 35.4.2 of the 2023 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations.
The regulation states that only with the explicit authorization of the Clerk of the Course and the FIA Rally Department, can any person associated with a participating crew travel on or over the route of a special stage, except on foot.
This rule remains in effect until the special stage is terminated, open for public traffic, and no longer used within the rally.
In a separate decision announced late on Sunday evening, Oliver Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson were penalized with a two-minute time penalty for exceeding the allotted number of 26 tires.
However, this penalty did not impact their overall standing, as they maintained a comfortable lead over Martin Prokop, who remained nearly nine minutes behind.
Following Neuville's disqualification, Solberg was elevated to ninth place overall.
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