The Safari Rally in Kenya, one of the most renowned events in racing, returns to the FIA World Rally Championship WRC 2021 for the first time since 2002. Pirelli's Scorpion KX gravel tyres will be fitted to all vehicles in the premier category for what could be the most gruelling rally of the season.
The Pirelli tyres in Kenya:
Scorpion KX: Pirelli's gravel rally tyre, the Scorpion KX, is available in both hard and soft compounds. The hard, which is designed to cope with the most abrasive surfaces and deliver durability over longer stages, will be the first choice in Kenya. In cooler or wet weather, the soft will be a good choice, providing optimal grip. The tyre has increased reinforcement in both compounds, notably in the sidewall, to protect against cuts and lacerations.
Scorpion K: Pirelli's gravel tyre for RC2 cars, reinforced to meet Kenya's demands and featuring many of the same features as the KX will be used on the top cars.
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Also See:Pirelli, The Tyre Partner For The European Rally Championship All Set
Terenzio Testoni, rally activity manager mentions: "We are excited to be returning with the World Rally Championship WRC 2021 to Africa and the Safari Rally in Kenya. As a company, Pirelli has a lot of experience in Kenya, having won there many times in the past with great drivers, and it has always been a considerable technical challenge. Of course, the modern event will not cover the same vast distances as before, but we can still expect a rough and abrasive surface, as well as long sections with sustained high speeds, which will test the performance of our products. We also know how much things can change there with the weather, and how the teams and drivers manage their limited allocation of soft tyres could be an important element."
Why tyre strategy matters
The WRC 2021 stages in Kenya are usually dry and dusty, but excessive rain can turn certain areas into deep mud pools. This might result in significant differences in conditions within the same stage, making tyre selection critical but difficult. One of the secrets to rally victory in Kenya in the past was to prevent punctures at all costs - and this should still be the case now.
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