WRC drivers have protested the FIA’s new guidelines on inappropriate language by limiting their comments in interviews during the Safari Rally Kenya. Following a €10,000 fine issued to Adrien Fourmaux for swearing, drivers have formed the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA) to combat these regulations and seek dialogue with the FIA for change. Their actions aim to preserve freedom of expression while navigating the competitive pressures of the sport.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers are expressing their dissatisfaction with the FIA’s recent misconduct regulations, which penalize inappropriate language with fines. At the ongoing Safari Rally Kenya, drivers have adopted a silent protest, opting not to engage in stage-end interviews or communicating solely in their native tongues. This protest is expected to persist throughout the event as a means to challenge the imposed guidelines.
The discontent amongst drivers heightened following the sanction against Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux for swearing in a television interview. Fourmaux received a fine of €10,000 and a suspended €20,000 penalty for his comments after Rally Sweden, where he stated, “we f*ed up yesterday.” This incident marked the first application of the FIA’s strict rules regarding language usage, creating a ripple effect among competitors leading to a unified response.
In light of the unjust penalties, several top WRC participants have united to establish the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA), akin to Formula 1’s Grand Prix Drivers Association. The alliance has publicly denounced the FIA’s regulations, urging dialogue with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to re-evaluate the severity of the imposed fines for minor language infractions. Their statement emphasized the necessity for drivers to communicate freely without fear of punishment, acknowledging the emotional nature of rallying.
Rally drivers including Kalle Rovanpera and Ott Tanak have articulated their reasoning during shakedown interviews, asserting the need for change. Rovanpera remarked, “if that is the case of what we need to do to make a difference, we will do it.” Tanak echoed this sentiment, explaining that drivers cannot provide comments under current conditions until a resolution is found, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a respectful yet expressive dialogue in the sport.
The ongoing protest by WRC drivers against the FIA’s swearing ban highlights their strong opposition to punitive measures for inappropriate language. Through their establishment of WoRDA, drivers are seeking advocacy and change while striving to maintain emotional integrity in their communication. Their commitment to silence or limited commentary reflects a collective effort to instigate dialogue and enhance the sport’s environment.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
