In view of the political difficulties in Kenya recently, it is with extreme regret that the organisers of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge have decided not to include the Safari Rally on the IRC calendar this year.

The Safari Rally will remain part of the African Championship and will run as scheduled from March 21-23.

Jacques Behar, the President of IRC series promoter Eurosport Events commented: "After a great deal of careful consideration, we have decided that we have no choice but to omit the Safari Rally from the calendar this year. I feel very sorry for the event organisers, who have put in so much work to make the rally a success, and we look forward to welcoming the Safari back onto the IRC calendar in 2009 if the political situation has stabilised. The Safari Rally remains an icon of world motorsport, but the safety of our competitors will always be our primary concern. Our decision not to include the Safari Rally this year is no reflection on the event organisers, who are the unfortunate victims of political circumstances."

The Safari Rally will be given 'IRC Supporter Event' status this year, prior to its expected return to the full series in 2009. Highlights of this year's event will also be shown on Eurosport.

The possibility of replacing the Safari's slot on the IRC calendar with another event in April is currently being considered, with further details to follow.