Should Safari return to old-style marathon format

[SJ Spode]

There have been calls for the Safari Rally to return to its traditional marathon format, and move away from the typical WRC-format event that it has become.

Should it remain as it is currently?

Should it go back to it's past format (ie; 5 days, 3000km, poss. even multiple countries) & remain within the WRC?

Should it become a stand alone marathon event (sort of a rally version of Le Mans)?

What do people think?

[touringlegend]

It should definitely be put back to what it was. From what I've read of the drivers comments, I think they feel that the Safari rally has been subjected to a crime comparable to Le Mans being halfed...

[Lee Janotta]

If it became a standalone again, they'd never be able to attract sufficient factory teams and professional drivers. Same problem Dakar has, there's no money in it.

On principal, I advocate a return to the old format, but it's sadly not realistic. The changes made for this year, though, really shouldn't have taken place, this is making it far too controlled.

[Liz]

I'm with Lee -- I'd love to see it put back the way it was, but in this day and age I fear it would not be cost effective (it would not fit the modern TV model for one thing.)

We could just make everyone do the Paris Dakar. I'd love to see that!