The FIA has issued a statement against the racist statements made against WRC young driver McRae Kimathi
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has made a clear statement opposing racism after young rally talent McRae Kimathi from Kenya was racially attacked on social media. The 27-year-old will compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) junior category at the Rally Sweden.
Kimathi was named after WRC legend Colin McRae and will compete in the WRC cosmos for the first time. He has already made a name for himself in the African rally scene and won the Junior classification last year. For him, Rally Sweden will be the first event on snow, which he will contest in a Ford Fiesta Rally3.
“In the run-up to Rally Sweden, FIA WRC junior driver McRae Kimathi was subjected to racist abuse on social media,” the FIA statement read. “We condemn racist abuse and any form of discrimination towards our teams, drivers as well as fans. “
The FIA aims to build “a more diverse and inclusive” sport, which is why racism has no place. It therefore goes on to say: “We will take all necessary steps to ensure that any abuse is reported to the appropriate authorities. There is no place for it in our sport and our society.” The WRC concurs: “The WRC will not tolerate racism in our sport!”
On the sporting side, things are looking up for Kimathi: Rally Sweden will be a big challenge for the Kenyan, but also an important experience. “I’m looking forward to it, but I’m a little scared of the cold,” he quips. “We are not used to this kind of weather, because in our country the sun shines all day.”
Kimathi has never competed in a rally on snow, so the surface will be a completely new experience for him. Therefore, the goal is to “learn as much as possible”, the 27-year-old reveals. He says, “I want to get to know the track and different surfaces, which will definitely help me in the future. “
“If we want to be at the highest level in this sport, we need to be able to ride on all surfaces. That’s why it’s better to start now when an opportunity arises,” explains the young driver. “The Junior WRC is a good way to start.” About the “fantastic” car, Kimathi has nothing but praise. Due to some upgrades, the Ford also has more “power and torque”.
