Kenya has retained its position on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar for 2027, confirming that Safari Rally will continue to be part of the championship. This development brings to an end earlier concerns about the rally's future in the increasingly competitive WRC calendar. The confirmation is significant for Kenya, as it maintains the country's presence on the global rallying stage.
The 2027 season of the WRC will feature a record 15 rounds, including the return of the United States for the first time since 1988 and the United Kingdom after an eight-year absence. Additionally, Rally d’Italia, based around Rome and the Lazio region, will make its debut. Despite the expansion, Safari Rally remains one of the traditional fixtures of the championship, scheduled to take place immediately after Rally Sweden.
The 2027 WRC calendar was approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council and will comprise 15 rounds across five continents. This provides Kenya with another opportunity to showcase its demanding gravel roads to a worldwide audience. Safari Rally Kenya has established itself as one of the most distinctive events on the WRC calendar since its return to the championship in 2021.
Safari Rally's combination of rough terrain, unpredictable weather, high-speed sections, and challenging navigation has made it one of the toughest tests for drivers and cars. The 2026 edition again provided a stern examination of the WRC field, with competitors tackling the unforgiving Kenyan terrain. Kenya's continued inclusion also preserves the country's status as the WRC's gateway to Africa.
The expansion of the WRC calendar is headlined by Rally US, scheduled for August 26-29, which marks America's return to the WRC after nearly four decades. The United States is viewed as a major growth market for the championship, offering opportunities for manufacturers, broadcasters, commercial partners, and fans. The return will also be significant for Ford and other automotive stakeholders with strong interests in the American market.
The 2027 season will also usher in the WRC27 technical regulations, intended to reduce costs, broaden participation, and create opportunities for new manufacturers and independent constructors. WRC Promoter CEO Éric Boullier said the 2027 season represents the beginning of a new chapter for the championship. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the calendar as a reflection of the strong momentum behind the WRC.
The 2027 season will feature a familiar mix of established WRC events, including rallies in Croatia, the Canary Islands, Japan, Greece, Estonia, Finland, Paraguay, and Chile. The season will begin with Rallye Monte-Carlo from January 21-24 and conclude with Rally Saudi Arabia from November 25-28.
Key points
- Kenya has retained its position on the 2027 FIA World Rally Championship calendar.
- The 2027 WRC season will feature a record 15 rounds across five continents.
- The new season will introduce the WRC27 technical regulations to reduce costs and broaden participation.
