[GutleNus]

This should be in WRC:
THE KCB 2011 SAFARI RALLY

Why? This is just a normal special stage rally nothing to do with original East African Safari rally other than it's in Kenya.

[pheelixoss]

This's the original Safari rally, look at the past winners.

[Gogogo]

It's the same event, but these days in only a round of the African Rally Championship and the Kenyan Championship.

But of course, it's nothing like it used to be.

I would argue though that it's not just "a normal special stage rally", normal doesn't exist there- it's still absolutely spectacular, and if I wasn't busy that weekend, I would be only too glad to go back

But as I said, I would consider going to either South Africa or Brazil if it was a WRC round. I still cling to the hope of going to NZ for the WRC, it would be a real shame to lose it.

[pheelixoss]

Every continent should have WRC round.

[spapsinee]

For nuclear strike or what?

LOL !!!

SA would be better i think....for a rally that is.

[standaman]

hmmm I think South Africa is capable to host a better event than Brazil, but I'd really like NZ and Acropolis to stay in the calendar

[dhYTvlAv]

I reckon they'll only put one of them in. 2 new events in one year in the context of some high profile European events being dumped would be too difficult politically for the FIA.

Would also put the costs up hugely to add two more long haul events to the existing number.

I agree with you, but strangely that may seems, the decision was made, they're both in for the 2013 championship... So i've heard.
Anyway, in one month time we'll know.

[Buildityrit]

What about homologations problems in RSA (their cars have their own homologations valid only there)?

Nope, all our S2000 cars are internationally homologated with the possible exception of the new VW Polo, but the Toyota, older Polo and the Fords are all international cars. Heck, the Fords are MSport cars, not even built here.

[teodaschwartia]

Both South Africa and Brazil are in for 2013. Only an catastrophe in the 2012 events can prevent that.

I'm not aware, so far, of any candidate events in Brazil for 2012. Next weekend, the biggest Rally in Brazil will happen (Rally Erechim), which counts for the South American Rally Championship. Erechim is the "Brazilian Rally Capital" as stated in Nobre's car. I must say that would be a great place for an event, as the people is already educated about rally and they are very passionate. The cons I see is that it is a very small city far away from large cities, which makes logistics a hell... We'll see...

[BonjGopu]

Interesting that no one seems worried about organization capacity.

[prmnwoks]

FIFA World cup VS WRC event, i think it can be done.

[Andrius]

I'm a bit worried by Acropolis: they don't have commercial sponsors anymore. No lottery sponsorship (Opap), no car importers, no other commercial brands... will Loutraki Casino pay to organize all the rally with own money? I'm not too sure about that...

[Assungusa]

Also in the past when the criteria from previous "experts" were GDP and the markets, the experiment failed with Japan, China, Indonesia etc and WRC lost glory and time. It's not clever to repeat it again.

[natahololll]

FIFA World cup VS WRC event, i think it can be done.

Grant, where would the event be? What are the roads like?

[Buildityrit]

The event would be based in Durban, but then take in the roads on the North and South Coasts of Durban and the forest roads around Pietermaritzburg. So the coastal stages will be slippery Australia-like ball-bearing surfaces in sugarcane fields and the forest roads will be good grip stages.

[prmnwoks]

Janvanvurpa Bruce D described perfectly, the coastal roads are amongst the best in the country and are very challenging.

[Janny2006]

Volkswagen hopes WRC presence attracts global commercial interest - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com

[prmnwoks]

I understand the markets are very important ie Brazil for VW, seeing as SA produces a large volume of cars from them as well, it cannot be a train smash if they come to SA...

I may sound biased here, but doesn't a world championship need to incorporate the World, ie at least 1 rally on each continent? then again there are a number of championships with the same "problem"

[esanamaserrn]

Both VW and Michelle Mouton want Brazil, I guess Brazil is in first, then South Africa to follow in another year.

[gennickhif]

If they're going on the biggest car markets...then watch out Finland.....

Is there the interest in Brazil for Rallying though...?? Not much point going if it's watched by 2 men & a donkey.....