NAIROBI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Federation Internationale de Automobile (FIA) has trained more than 100 safety marshals in Nairobi in readiness for the Safari Rally, which runs as a World Rally Championship (WRC) Candidate Event.
The Safari rally, which seeks to be reinstated in the WRC after 17 years of hiatus, also serves as the fourth round of the Africa Rally Championship.
"A record 120 safety marshals' volunteers underwent training seminar moderated by rally aces Norris Ongalo and Charles Hinga. This is the third session, and will be conducted on June 19 by Sue Sanders when she comes to Kenya," said Kenya Motor Sport Federation President Phineas Kimathi.
Sanders is a top global FIA training expert for rally safety. Sanders, a training manager of Motor Sports Association United Kingdom, will hold the three days training seminar from June 19 to 21 for top rally officials who will be expected to impart and put to practice their expertise in the Safari.
The FIA and WRC Promoter has put premium attention to safety of competitors and spectators. She will pay attention on decision making, communication, contingency planning.
Security experts from the private sector also met with representatives from the police to draw a security master plan which will be masterminded and executed by the disciplined forces.
"The policed areas will be spectator stages, competitive and open roads where the competition cars will pass," said Kimathi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Safari Rally Project.
Only 60 drivers will be allowed in the rally and local drivers will be selected based on their rankings.
Safari rally hopes to be back in the WRC after it was dropped in 2002 for lack of sponsors and government support. It will become the only leg in Africa for the WRC 14-leg circuit.
