The FIA condemns racist attacks on Kenyan rally driver Kimathi in Sweden: The standard Sports
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has condemned racist abuse on social media against 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, which starts on Friday.
Kimathi is set for his debut in the junior WC in rally.
The 27-year-old driver was targeted in comments that were later deleted following concerns from the governing body of world motorsport.
“In the run-up to Rally Sweden, FIA Junior WRC competitor McRae Kimathi has been subjected to racist abuse on social media,” it is stated in a statement from the FIA late on Wednesday night.
The federation has further committed itself to ensuring that the perpetrators of the racist statements, most of which have been made on their social media platforms, are reported to the authorities.
“We condemn the racist abuse and all forms of discrimination against our teams, competitors and fans and we will take all necessary measures to ensure that all abuses are properly reported to the relevant authority.”
“We work 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 developed as part of the FIA’s Rally Star program, which aims to discover and develop talent globally among young drivers.
Kimathi, named after the legendary rally driver Colin McRae, started the rally in 2016 and has said that he is determined to follow McRae’s steps.