FIA condemn racist attacks on Kenyan rally driver Kimathi in Sweden

Mcrae Kimathi with his Ford Fiesta R3 ahead of the WRC Safari Rally. [Standard Sports]

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has condemned racist social media abuse targeted at Kenyan rally driver McRae Kimathi.

Kimathi, navigated by compatriot Mwangi Kioni, are the only black drivers competing at this weekend’s World Rally Championship in Sweden that starts on Friday.

Kimathi is set for his Junior World Rally Championship debut.

The 27-year-old driver was targeted in remarks that were subsequently deleted following concerns from the world motorsports governing body.

“In the build-up to Rally Sweden, FIA Junior WRC competitor McRae Kimathi has been subjected to racist abuse on social media,” the FIA statement issued late Wednesday evening said.

The Federation further committed to ensuring the perpetrators of the racist remarks, most of which have been made on their social media platforms, are reported to authorities.

“We condemn the racist abuse and any form of discrimination towards our teams, competitors and fans and we will take all necessary steps to help ensure that any abuse is duly reported to the relevant authority.”

“We are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport and abuse must be highlighted and eliminated. There is no place for it in our sport and in society,” the statement concluded.

Kimathi was drafted as part of the FIA’s Rally Star programme that seeks to unearth and develop talent globally among young drivers.

Named after legendary rally driver Colin McRae, Kimathi started rallying in 2016 and has said that he is determined to follow in the steps of McRae.