The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has fined Kenyan rally driver Andrew Muiruri for being in possession of unapproved tyres at the ongoing World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in Naivasha.
Muiruiri has been slapped with a hefty €500 (Ksh71,000) fine by FIA after being found in possession of spare tyres not approved by the world governing motorsport body.
In a statement, WRC noted that the fine came following a report submitted by FIA Deputy Technical Delegate.
“At the tyre checks after TC1 and TC1A, car No. 38 was found to carry two tyres as spares, which were produced by Dunlop, which is not the FIA-nominated tyre company,” read part of the report.
According to FIA, Muiruri and his co-driver Edward Njoroge Breached Art. 13.2.1 of the 2024 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations and Art. 7.1 of the Safari Rally Kenya 2024 Supplementary Regulations.
Muiruri fined
“Decision to impose a fine of € 500 on the crew Mr. ANDREW MUIRURI and EDWARD NJOROGE of car No. 38. In accordance with Art. 12.8 of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code, fines shall be paid within 48 hours of their notification,” the statement adds.
WRC further noted that any delay in making payment may entail to the suspension during the period a fine remains unpaid.
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Muiruri’s team manager Asad Answar on March 29, 2024, while admitting that it was the team’s fault said that they forgot to check the spare tyres before the start of the rally.
The rally driver further said that the tyres were not used in SS1-Super Special Kasarani and on the road section to TC1A.
According to FIA, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure throughout the competition that all tyres used are from the FIA nominated tyre company.
The federation, which is the governing body for world motor sport, has the Pirelli Company tyres as its nominated tire company.
FIA argued that although the spares in question were not actually used either in the road section or in the special stage, there is still a breach of the regulations.
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Competitors were further reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards.
WRC Safari Rally
The WRC Safari Rally 2024 kicked off on March 28 Thursday with a ceremonial flag-off led by President William Ruto at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Ruto, while speaking during the flag off event, said that the race will provide a major boost to the economy by increasing direct and indirect jobs and incomes for local businesses.
According to the Head of State, the rally attracts local and foreign tourism investment, catering, accommodation facilities and services.
“We will combine efforts with the World Rally Championship to keep the Safari Rally as a world-class sport. This will boost our tourism and overall economic growth,” Ruto stated in the event.
According to FIA, the four-day competition will culminate on Sunday March 31,2024 with a decisive leg.
