follows the Safari Rally moment by moment in this article. First special test on Thursday at 12.05.
The Safari Rally in Kenya began in a special mood. The rally stars have become a litigation of the language of drivers, like the International Automobile Association (FIA). The situation has escalated so far that drivers have decided to refuse to answer questions in paint interviews.
A preview of the future was already received on Wednesday’s test special test as the drivers almost silent in interviews. Toyota Kalle Rovanperä Acknowledged his interview briefly.
– Unfortunately, you won’t hear a lot of comments from me this week. If we have to do this to make a change, we will do so, Rovanperä said.
The International Automobile Association had previously launched Hyundain Adrien to Fourmaux EUR 10,000 fines when a French driver cursed in the Swedish rally in a post -specialty finish interview.
Fourmaux did not comment on his situation in the Safari Rally test clip. Hyundain Ott Tänak Wished Fian to react quickly to the break.
“Hopefully the solution will come soon and we will be able to continue as usual,” Tänak said.
The measure of rally drivers is now full
Sports Expert Henri Haapamäki According to the rally drivers, the measure of the rally drivers is now full. The fine received by Fourmaux was the last staple.
– Rally drivers have demanded that such sanctions need to be removed to express themselves as they wish in the rally goal interviews. No agreement has been made and the drivers are now demonstrating and do not give any interviews.
Haapamäki believes that the situation may become so embarrassing that the FIA will soon have to react.
– The conversation with the FIA can be opened, especially if the drivers are without comment throughout the rally. Yes, it will certainly start to bite at some point. Sure, it has to be said that the drivers have presented similar threats in the past, but during the rally, there has been a matter of talking.
– I believe that the drivers are now serious when they have set up an organization and progress in one front. All top drivers and map readers are included. Now hard weapons are in use and words are not given to the media, Haapamäki said.
Haapamäki says he understands the views of the drivers.
– I think athletes should have such a decision -making power. After all, it is not about any constant swearing or hate speech, but of outbursts of emotion, where one of the individual power can come in between. It does not have to give a fine of EUR 10,000, Haapamäki referred to the punishment of Fourmaux.
A fully special competition
The Safari Rally is known for its wild conditions. Almost anything can happen in Kenya, especially in the rain.
– This is certainly one of the most special competitions in the series, of course, for length (more than 380 kilometers of special tests). Sure, it is normally driven over 300 kilometers, but the circumstances are now such that you don’t know what’s coming from there, Haapamäki anticipates.
Some kilometers are driven on insanely poor roads.
– The roads are really bumpy and rocky. Let’s go to exotic places with wild animals. There is dust and running sand. The rainy season is on, so it is very possible that it will start to rain. Then the amount of mud is something quite incomprehensible.
In the Safari Rally, a driver who drives a steady strong.
– This is more of a survival competition. Usually, this rally is not beaten by the fastest driver, but a driver who can drive at a reasonably high speed without problems, Haapamäki emphasized.
Will Kalle Rovanperä turn turn?
Kalle Rovanperä’s season has begun with a lot of time as Toyota’s Finnish star has been left out of the awards in the Monte Carlo and Swedish World Rallys. Haapamäki believes that in Kenya the prerequisites for success are good.
– This rally has suited Rovanperä. He has done really well in Kenya. Now that we are going to gravel, this is another opportunity and the very strong area of Kale, Haapamäki estimates.
Rovanperä was the fastest with the Safari Rally test clip. He has previously appeared to be at his best when the rally is driven in difficult conditions.
The Toyota WRC team is blowing new winds as the team manager Jari-Matti Latvala Focusing on its own driving charges in the spring in the Historic Rally Championship. In Kenya Latvala is a rally legend Juha Kankkunen.
– In advertising value, the effects are good because Kankkunen is a respected and respected person in the rally world. He himself has driven 12 times in the Safari Rally, so there is know-how, even though the cars were different then, Haapamäki thinks.
Kankkunen is already 65 years old, but according to Haapamäki, it is well suited for his job.
– Certainly some of the audience thinks if Kankkunen is an old man in such a managerial position. But that role is more of a spirit creator and interviewer. I think Juha fits it extremely well, Haapamäki believed.