WRC Drivers Unite Against FIA’s New Language Ban at Safari Rally Kenya
WRC drivers at the Safari Rally Kenya are protesting the FIA’s new misconduct guidelines which impose fines for swearing during interviews. The drivers, including Adrien Fourmaux, have chosen to remain silent or speak in their native languages in protest. They have formed the World Rally Drivers Alliance to advocate for better communication with the FIA and express their views on freedom of speech in sports.
World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers are expressing their dissatisfaction with the FIA’s new misconduct guidelines, which impose fines for swearing during television interviews. This opposition was clearly demonstrated during the Safari Rally Kenya, where several drivers opted to remain silent or respond in their native languages during post-stage interviews, indicating their protest against the FIA’s restrictions.
Among the drivers who refrained from commenting were Adrien Fourmaux and Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta, who chose to maintain their silence after being questioned by a television reporter. This decision could persist for the duration of the event, as drivers express their unified stance against these guidelines imposed by the FIA.
The controversy gained traction following Fourmaux’s recent sanction, which involved a €10,000 fine, accompanied by a suspended €20,000 fine for using inappropriate language during an interview at Rally Sweden. His comments were deemed a violation of the FIA’s International Sporting Code, specifically regarding unacceptable language.
In response to these sanctions, WRC drivers and co-drivers established the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA), mirroring the Grand Prix Drivers Association from Formula 1. WoRDA has released a statement expressing their discontent with the FIA’s punitive measures and advocating for an urgent dialogue with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to address these concerns.
The alliance emphasized the need to balance regulation and freedom of expression, suggesting that while respectful language is essential, a degree of emotional expression should be allowed without the fear of harsh penalties. They communicated their challenges in adhering to the strict rules and acknowledged that their current protest is in the best interest of their sport, extending apologies to fans for their silence.
Despite outreach efforts, the FIA has not directly responded to WoRDA’s statements, and no discussions are reported to have taken place as of now. Notably, some drivers, such as Kalle Rovanpera and Ott Tanak, provided their reasoning during interviews but maintained their commitment to reducing public comments as a form of protest until a resolution is reached.
Rovanpera mentioned, “It is nice to be here in Kenya but unfortunately you guys will not hear from me so much this weekend, and if that is the case of what we need to do to make a difference, we will do it.” Tanak added, “Unfortunately we need to go a bit different. I believe the first drivers [that have come through the stage] have explained the situation.”
This collective refusal to engage in typical post-race interviews underscores the drivers’ strong position against new FIA regulations, highlighting the ongoing struggles within motorsport governance.
In conclusion, WRC drivers have united against the FIA’s new guidelines regarding inappropriate language, leading to a strategic decision to restrict their comments during interviews at the Safari Rally Kenya. They have formed the World Rally Drivers Alliance to advocate for their rights and express the necessity for maintaining emotional expression without facing penalties. This protest illuminates the broader discourse regarding regulatory measures in motorsport and the need for open lines of communication between drivers and governing bodies.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
