The Safari Rally could make a surprise return to the World Rally Championship this year, following the intervention of the Kenyan government in the event's financial problems.
The event was dropped from the 2003 schedule because fees from the 2001 rally had still not been paid to motorsport's governing body, the FIA, last year. But the new Kenyan government led by President Kibaki, introduced following a general election late last year, is keen to see the Safari Rally return to the WRC, and has stepped in to help solve the problem.
"It is fair to say the financial issue is resolved and the FIA should receive those funds any day now," Shekhar Mehta, president of the FIA Rallies Commission, told autosport.com. "The new government is chasing positive publicity for the country and the Safari Rally is one method of gaining that."
Mehta admitted that teams had are already being consulted on possible routes for the event, and stated that it would retain a base in Nairobi.
Rally Australia is currently in danger of being dropped from the 2003 calendar and FIA president, Max Mosley, said that the Kenyan classic could take the place of the Australian event in September.
"Australia at the moment is looking doubtful," he said. "What complicates matters is that at the moment there has been an approach from the Kenyans. Their financial problems have been resolved and they are willing to run the rally in September. Ultimately it is down to the Rallies Commission whether or not it happens."
The Rallies Commission is scheduled to meet in April.
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