Kenya’s Safari Rally secures spot on 2027 WRC calendar

Kenya has retained the iconic Safari Rally on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2027 while the United States and United Kingdom have been confirmed on an expanded 15-round by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

The government had submitted a bid for a five-year extension to keep the Safari Rally on the WRC roster through 2031 but the FIA has not yet disclosed the specific duration of the newly granted hosting rights.

Kenya returned to the WRC in 2021 after nearly two decades of absence with its previous hosting agreement expiring this year.

The 2027 season will kick off in Monaco with the Rallye Monte-Carlo from January 21–24, followed by Rally Sweden from February 18–21 before coming to Kenya for the Safari Rally from March 18–21.

With the legendary Rally de Portugal absent from the 2027 line up, Rally Japan moves up to host the sixth round, immediately followed by the Acropolis Rally in Greece. Italy’s asphalt counter, based in Rome, slots in as round eight to anchor a gruelling, all-gravel seven-round second half of the season.

Estonia and Finland are back-to-back before the WRC’s return to America for the first time in 39 years for Rally US. Britain is also back one round later with Rally Scotland before the South American double-header in Paraguay and Chile. Rally Saudi Arabia closes out the year, running between November 25-28.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the expanded calendar – the largest since the 15-round schedule in 2008 – was a demonstration of the growing strength of the series.

“The 2027 FIA World Rally Championship calendar reflects the strong momentum behind the WRC, with new events in the United Kingdom and Italy strengthening the Championship in countries with a proud rallying heritage, while the United States gives us an exciting opportunity to grow in a country where interest in rallying continues to rise.

“With the introduction of the WRC27 technical regulations, a new promoter thanks to the deal of the century that will bring long-term investment and ambition to the championship, and a strong global calendar, the future of rallying is extremely bright,” he said.

President William Ruto, who recently announced that the WRC Safari Rally will be fully funded, managed, and promoted by the private sector starting in 2027, warmly welcomed the FIA’s announcement.

“Once again, the world's finest drivers will take on our plains, our valleys and the legendary roads of Naivasha.

“The Safari was born on Kenyan soil. It belongs on Kenyan soil. Every edition fills our hotels, energises our businesses and carries the beauty of our country to screens across the world.

“I thank the Ministry of Sports, the WRC Safari Rally Project, our private-sector partners, the FIA and the WRC Promoter for making this possible,” said Ruto.