WRC drivers protest FIA’s fines for inappropriate language during interviews at Safari Rally Kenya. They refuse to comment in solidarity against new misconduct guidelines. The World Rally Drivers Alliance has formed in response to recent penalties, urging for dialogue with FIA President for amendments to the rules. Silence and language restrictions continue as a form of protest as drivers seek change.
World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers have staged a protest against the FIA’s recent guidelines, which impose fines for the use of inappropriate language during television interviews. This discontent was prominently displayed at the Safari Rally in Kenya, where drivers chose not to comment or spoke in their native languages during post-stage interviews. Their collective silence is poised to persist throughout the entirety of the event.
Notably, drivers such as Adrien Fourmaux and Takamoto Katsuta abstained from commenting when approached by media representatives, opting instead to express their displeasure through their own languages. Fourmaux’s protest comes in light of his recent sanction of €10,000, following a statement made during a television interview at Rally Sweden where he was deemed to have violated FIA regulations against inappropriate language.
The incident prompted the establishment of the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA), a group formed by leading WRC competitors to mirror the Formula 1’s Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA). WoRDA issued a statement urging communication with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to seek an immediate resolution for the current sanctions, highlighting that the penalties for minor language lapses have escalated to an unreasonable degree.
In their statement, the alliance emphasized the need for a balance between expressing genuine emotions and adhering to the guidelines. They called for necessary amendments to the rules to enable drivers to participate freely without the fear of incurring penalties. This resolution led to drivers choosing either to abstain from the interviews or communicate in their local languages, apologizing to fans for their decision while asking for support.
The FIA’s response to WoRDA’s statement was non-committal, as there appears to be no ongoing dialogue regarding the drivers’ concerns. Despite these tensions, some drivers like Kalle Rovanpera and Ott Tanak explained their silence in English after their stages, underscoring the seriousness of the issue at hand and expressing their willingness to take such actions for a long-term resolution.
In conclusion, WRC drivers have united to protest against stringent penalties set by the FIA for inappropriate language during interviews. Their decision to speak less during the Safari Rally in Kenya reflects a significant push for communication with FIA leadership to amend these guidelines. The formation of WoRDA signifies a collective effort to advocate for drivers’ rights while maintaining the sport’s spirit and authenticity. As the situation evolves, continued dialogue between the drivers and the FIA will be crucial in establishing a fair framework going forward.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
