FIA condemns racist online attacks on Kenyan driver McRae Kimathi

Kimathi is a debut player in this year’s Junior World Rally Championships being held in Sweden, and has been the subject of racial attacks on social media since his pre-season test earlier this month.

The 27-year-old is the only black and African driver in both the Sweden rally and the full Junior WRC campaign this year.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FIA condemned the comments, saying “there is no place for it in our sport and in society.”

“In the build-up to Rally Sweden, FIA Junior WRC competitor McRae Kimathi has been subjected to racist abuse on social media. We condemn racist abuse and any form of discrimination towards our teams, competitors and fans,” read the statement.

The Federation further committed to ensuring the perpetrators of the racist remarks, most of which have been made on their social media platforms, are reported to authorities.

“We will take all necessary steps to help ensure that any abuse is duly reported to the relevant authority. We are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport and abuse must be highlighted and eliminated,” said FIA.

Named after legendary rally driver Colin McRae, Kimathi started rallying in 2016 and has said that he is determined to follow in the steps of McRae.

“We-re not really used to that type of weather- it’s normally sunshine all day long. I’ve never been on snow before or anything like it, so it’s a completely new experience for me,” Kimathi said of the games which kick off on Thursday.

“We’ll try and learn as much as possible to gain experience. I want to learn the roads and the different surface, which will probably help me in the future,” he added.

He is being navigated by Mwangi Kioni.