Ferrari fails test: Kravos’ adventure in Safari Classic ends as Blomqvist secures lead

By Oscar Pilipili

Marzio Kravos and his navigator Renzo Bernardi leave a cloud of dust during yesterday’s morning section of the Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally. The crew retired after the car developed engine problems. [PHOTO: IMRAN BAGHA/COURTESY]

Marzio Kravos and Renzo Bernardi have retired from the Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally after the engine of their Ferrari 308 Dino GT4 packed up just 13km into the dusty Kedong-Longonot stage yesterday.

The Kenya-based Italians had hoped to enter their names in the annals of the great Safari by being the first ever finishers in the sophisticated Italian vehicle. But their dream was nipped in the bud yesterday morning as gremlins crept up on them in the thick volcanic ash soil stretch inside Kedong Ranch.

It was recorded as the third retirement of the Safari Classic coming after the surprise exit of 2011 winner Bjorn Waldegard of Sweden (Porsche 911) and Tanzanian Karim Wissanji (Ford Escort MK1). Both retired in the first half of the competition in Arusha.

Kravos, a Nairobi-based garage owner, was left to rue their exit but was quick to point out that there is always next time.

The Ferrari is the first ever rally car to race in a competitive Kenyan event and it was painful when the crew failed to last the full stretch of the rally.

They had nothing to offer as the car was towed from the section to the designated service zone at Sopa Lodge in Naivasha.

“Today was fine, we had no problems at all with the dust and we were going really well. Unfortunately, we had an engine problem so we had to retire. We have enjoyed the Classic; this is the sixth one we are doing,” said Kravos.

Meanwhile, ‘Flying Swedes’ Stig Blomqvist and Steffan Parmande reclaimed the lead from Kenyan hero Ian Duncan with a slim 59-second margin.

Blomqvist took advantage of Duncan’s woes after the six-time Kenyan champion’s tyres got punctured in the 32-km Kedong-Longonot stage.

Two stages – Suswa and the repeat run of Kedong – were cancelled yesterday. Kedong was removed due to deep sand, which saw many cars get stuck in the early morning run, while Suswa was dropped from the itinerary because of logistical problems.

East African Safari Classic Rally director and principal Raju Kishinani and JS Vohra expressed satisfaction with the running of the event so far.

Kishinani said there would be no change to Day Eight’s route itinerary set for today as the drivers head for Meyers’ Farm, Ngong, Isinya, Bura and over to Taita Hills for an overnight stop.

Kishinani said the Taita Hills co-ordinator had reported heavy rains on the course but the roads are passable. Stage winners yesterday were Gregoire De Mevius (CS17) of Belgium and Richard Goransson of Sweden (CS19).– [email protected]