The WRC drivers continue with their push against the FIA’s swearing/conduct regulations via WoRDA during ongoing Safari Rally.
After Adrien Fourmaux was handed a fine for swearing during one of the interviews in Rally Sweden, the WRC drivers through WoRDA came in aide of its colleague, to seek answers from the FIA regarding the regulation brought in, in the winter of 2024/25.
It stemmed from the F1 side and covered every FIA-backed championships. Like the Formula 1 drivers, the WRC pack seek transparency over where the fine money goes, while pushing for changes to be brought to rule to make it less draconian.
During the ongoing Safari Rally, the WRC drivers have remained silent in the post-stage interviews. Those who have responded to questions, they have done so in their native language. The WoRDA released a statement, explaining their stance.
“We all agree to keep rudeness at the microphone to a minimum,” the statement read. “At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a certain freedom of expression and to keep emotions alive while drivers don’t need to be afraid of getting punished in any way.
“We have asked the president of the FIA for some positive changes in the rules to help us achieve this goal. For the reasons explained in our statement, it is impossible for us to guarantee that we (drivers and co-drivers) will be able to follow these rules perfectly and systematically.
“This is why we – WoRDA members – are now taking the responsible decision to remain silent at the end of the interviews or to answer in our mother tongue.In the own interest of our sport, such an action is unfortunately needed, and we apologize to all the rally fans, even though we know they support us in this.”
The FIA readily hasn’t responded to what the WoRDA said after Sweden. But in a statement to Motorsport Network, they have indicated about a meeting held during F1’s Australian GP to discuss the matter with Formula 1 drivers. A similar sort of meeting will take place with the WRC drivers after the Safari Rally to find an urgent solution.
“The FIA, as with many other international sports governing bodies, maintains a code of conduct that sets out what we expect from drivers and their teams,” it said. “Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans and are ambassadors for motorsport across the world. How drivers act at events really matters.
“The code’s purpose is to promote the best in sportsmanship and respect, this includes expectations around language which could be seen as offensive or inappropriate by the public. The rules and penalties are in line with those taken by our peer organisations in global sports championships. We recognise that it is crucial to assess situations on a case-by-case basis, but unnecessary profanity should not be condoned and does little to help promote and grow the sport with fans, sponsors, and partners.
“In line with a similar meeting held with Formula 1 drivers in Melbourne last weekend, Ronan Morgan, President of the Drivers Committee along with Petter Solberg, Vice President of the Committee and Emilia Abel, Junior Road Sport Director are planning to discuss this matter and other topics with drivers after the Safari Rally Kenya.”
Here’s first statement from WoRDA
Here’s WRC note to Adrien Fourmaux
