Kenyan driver fined Ksh71K in WRC Safari Rally
Kenyan driver Andrew Muiruri has incurred a penalty from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) during the ongoing WRC Safari Rally, facing a fine of Ksh 71,000 (€500) for possessing unauthorized spare tires.
Following tire inspections after TC1 and TC1A, it was discovered that car No 38, driven by Muiruri, was carrying two spare tires manufactured by Dunlop, a brand not sanctioned by the FIA.
Safari Rally 2024 regulations
This contravened Article 13.2.1 of the 2024 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations and Article 7.1 of the Safari Rally Kenya 2024 Supplementary Regulations. 
A fine of Ksh 71,000 (£500) has been levied against the crew of car No 38, consisting of Muiruri and co-driver Edward Njoroge and they are required to settle the fine within 48 hours. Failure to comply could lead to suspension.
"Decision: To impose a fine of £500 on the crew Mr Andrew Muiruri and Edward Njoroge car No 38. In accordance with Art 12 8 of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code, fines shall be paid within 48 hours of their notification. Any delay in making payment may entail suspension during the period a fine remains unpaid," reads the ruling shared by WRC.
During the inquiry held on Friday, March 29, at 8:00 hrs, Muiruri, Njoroge, Team Manager Asad Anwar, and assistant Team Manager Neeraj Mehta presented their case.
Anwar admitted the team's oversight, acknowledging their failure to inspect the spare tires before the rally.
Muiruri clarified that these tires were not utilized during SS1 (Super Special Kasarani) or the road section to TC1A.
Despite the spare tires not being used in competition, the Stewards held Muiruri accountable for ensuring compliance with regulations throughout the event. Therefore, they deemed the fine appropriate for the violation.
"The Team Manager Mr Asad Anwar admitted that it was the team's fault and that they forgot to check the spare tyres before the start of the rally. Mr. Andrew Muiriri added that these tyres were not used in SS1 — Super Special Kasarani and on the road section to TC1A.
Driver's responsibility
"The Stewards consider that it is the driver's responsibility to ensure throughout the competition that all tyres used are from the FIA nominated tyre company. which in this case is Pirelli. 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. For these reasons, the Stewards find the above fine to be appropriate in this case," the ruling added. 
Competitors have been reminded of their right to appeal such decisions in accordance with Article 15 of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.
