Kenyan rally drivers fined for using unapproved tyres
Two Kenyan drivers have been fined Kes71,000 (500 Euros) for possessing spare tyres that were not approved by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Andrew Muiruri and co-driver Edward Njoroge driving car number 38 were caught with two Dunlop tyres as spares, instead of those approved by Pirelli, have been directed by FIA to pay the fine within 48 hours, or face suspension until payment.
The team manager admitted fault, acknowledging they neglected to inspect the spare tyres before the rally began. FIA noted that it’s the drivers’ responsibility to ensure all tyres used are FIA-approved and although the unused tyres were not utilized in the Super Special Kasarani or the road section to TC1A, the breach of regulations incurred a fine as stated by the WRC Safari rally.
“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,” read part of the statement by the WRC Safari rally.