Oliver Solberg’s protest regarding Yohan Rossel’s notional time in Rally Chile will be reexamined due to new video and GPS evidence. Originally rejected, the stewards’ decision now faces review as it could impact the WRC2 championship standings, with Solberg currently leading by 12 points over Rossel. A hearing date has yet to be set, but the outcome could significantly affect the title contention as both drivers approach the end of the rally season.
The ongoing controversy regarding Oliver Solberg’s protest related to the recent Rally Chile is set to be revisited by the event’s stewards, following the emergence of new evidence pertinent to the case. The protest originally centered around a notional time awarded to Solberg’s competitor and winner of Rally Chile in the WRC2 category, Yohan Rossel, which bolstered Rossel’s placement and affected the championship standings significantly. The initial protest was based on Solberg’s assertion that he had been unjustly penalized during stage 11, where he suffered a puncture that set him back by approximately one and a half minutes. Upon rejoining the stage, Solberg maintained his lead until Rossel alleged interference stemming from Solberg’s presence on the course, which he claimed obstructed his progress due to the challenging fog conditions. Consequently, stewards had ruled Solberg’s protest as inadmissible under the FIA International Sporting Code, citing procedural constraints. Nonetheless, after a thorough review initiated by FIA road sport director Andrew Wheatley, a newly issued stewards report acknowledged the existence of ‘significant and relevant’ new information – specifically video footage and GPS tracking data that were not available at the time of the initial decision. The report articulated: “The Stewards examined video evidence and GPS tracking data provided by the FIA, which was information that was not in the possession of the Clerk of the Course, nor of the Stewards, at the time of the decision was made.” With this evidence, the stewards have opted to re-examine their earlier ruling in accordance with Article 14.1.1 of the FIA International Sporting Code, inviting both Solberg and a representative from the FIA to the upcoming hearing. As it stands, Solberg currently holds a 12-point lead over Rossel in the WRC2 championship standings, but considering Solberg has already completed his seven points-scoring events, he may face uncertainties regarding the title, now dependent on the results of remaining rounds involving Rossel and fellow contender Sami Pajari.
The WRC2 title has been highly contested this season, with Oliver Solberg and Yohan Rossel being at the forefront of the competition. The tension escalated during Rally Chile, where a critical incident occurred affecting the outcome of the race and the standings in the championship. As both drivers sought to secure the title, protests and subsequent decisions taken by the stewards became pivotal in determining their fates in the championship chase. This situation has highlighted the procedural complexities within motorsport regulations, particularly regarding protest reviews when new information comes to light post-decision.
The decision to revisit Oliver Solberg’s protest marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle for the WRC2 title. With new evidence potentially altering the initial outcome, both Solberg and Rossel remain locked in a tense competition that could ultimately determine the championship winner. The re-examination of the protest emphasizes the importance of procedural integrity and fairness in motorsport, particularly in championship-deciding events. As the case unfolds, the implications for both drivers and the integrity of the competition are profound.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
