Two Kenyan drivers were on Friday fined Ksh71,000 ($500) for allegedly being in possession of spare tyres not approved by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
The driver and his co-driver were found to carry two tyres as spares, which were produced by Dunlop, which is not the FIA-nominated tyre company instead of Pirelli an FIA partner.
According to FIA, the two drivers were directed to pay the fine within 48 hours of their notification failure to which they risk suspension for the period they will not have paid the fine.
While addressing the matter, the drivers’ team manager admitted that it was the team's fault and that they forgot to check the spare tyres before the start of the rally.
Similarly, one of the drivers noted the tyres were not used in SS1 - Super Special Kasarani and on the road section to TC1A.
FIA noted it is the drivers' responsibility to ensure throughout the competition that all tyres used are from the FIA-nominated tyre company.
"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," read part of the statement by the WRC Safari rally.
"For these reasons, the Stewards find the above fine to be appropriate in this case," the statement added.
The duo was reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions by FIA in accordance with Article 15 of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code.
The decision comes a day after President William Ruto flagged off the event at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi where he called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers for the event.
The head of state also noted the extensive worldwide media coverage of the rally would enhance the country's global image and reputation.
“This will provide a major boost to our economy, increasing incomes for local businesses, and direct and indirect jobs, and attracting local and foreign tourism investment," Ruto stated.
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