With the introduction of new rules by International Automobile Federation (FIA), the WRC Safari Rally has become very competitive compared to the past editions, said Toyota legend Juha Kankkunen.

In the past, the event covered over 5000km that was covered within five days while to-date, it covers 383.1km completed within four days.

“This sharp contrast is not easily understood by motorsports fans but they must be adhered to strictly,” said Kankkunen.

The retired Finish professional driver said the event has become more competitive over time owing to different factors.

“With numerous rules introduced by FIA and governed by the present day technology, it has seen drastic changes introduced in all events by World Rally Championships (WRC),” Kankkunen said at the Wildlife Service Training Institute in Naivasha on Saturday night.

During their days, the 5000km was spread throughout the country and in open roads and was covered in five days as opposed to the current format where the distance is below 400km and concentrated in closed circuits owing to safety measures by FIA.

“These days, FIA events are concentrated on closed circuits owing to strict safety measures that must be fully adhered to if a country is to be given the hosting rights of WRC events,” said WRC Safari Rally Chief Clerk of the Course (COC) George Mwangi.

He also confirmed the events are becoming technical and competitive annually due to these changes. This year, WRC Safari Rally covered a distance of 383.1km, which is the longest in the current set up of the WRC-13-Series of Events globally.

“This means that during our days, we suffered from exhaustion” said Kankkunen. 

Even with the reduction of the distance covered, the Toyota legend said it has gone ahead to become tougher and tougher.