The drama has unfolded at the Kenyan Rally, with some drivers refusing to speak to the media or responding in their native languages, which, in most cases, isn’t English. The chaos has begun, and the FIA is scrambling to calm the situation as quickly as possible. For instance, Elfyn Evans opted to respond in Welsh.
Gus Greensmith, a top contender for the WRC2 win in Kenya, revealed that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is finally willing to engage in dialogue with the World Rally Drivers’ Association (WoRDA). This development came after Ben Sulayem sent emails to WRC drivers just 10 minutes before the start of the shakedown. Greensmith expressed his frustration, stating, “We hadn’t had any dialogue with Mohammed Ben Sulayem until today, 10 minutes before the shakedown began. I think that sums everything up – there was no communication until Wednesday morning, and no solution was offered.” He also voiced his discontent with the hefty fines, saying, “I’m fed up with these fines, 10,000 euros for a swear word.”
As Greensmith pointed out, “You can’t say swear words in live TV interviews, I get that. But 10,000 euros is a quarter of someone’s average annual salary in Europe, which is around 37,000 euros. This fine shows that, apparently, we’re not connected to the real world.”
The controversy surrounding the fines began after Adrien Fourmaux was slapped with a 10,000-euro fine for using a swear word in a post-race TV interview at the Swedish Rally. Following the incident, WRC drivers formed their own association and requested a dialogue with the FIA, but Ben Sulayem initially ignored their pleas.
In a statement released today, the FIA announced that, after the Safari Rally, dialogue with WRC drivers will be established by Roman Morand, the president of the FIA Drivers’ Commission, along with vice-president Petter Solberg and junior director Émilie Abel, who oversees this type of racing event.
The FIA has taken a firm stance, making it clear that anyone who disrespects the sport will face severe penalties. Before the season even began, the governing body made it clear that anyone found guilty of misconduct would face fines starting at 40,000 euros, which could escalate to 80,000 euros and a one-month suspension for repeat offenders. A third offense would result in a 120,000-euro fine, a one-month suspension, and the loss of points.
If the misconduct involves verbal or written language, offensive gestures, insults, or any other form of inappropriate behavior, the first fine will be 10,000 euros, with subsequent offenses following the same doubling pattern. In the case of Formula 1, the base fine is always quadrupled, starting at 40,000 euros, while in the World Rally Championship, it begins at 30,000 euros. Protests deemed “inadmissible,” such as missing official ceremonies, will also result in fines, following the same procedure.
Key Takeaways
- The FIA has come under fire for its handling of driver misconduct, with some drivers feeling that the fines are excessive.
- Gus Greensmith has spoken out against the 10,000-euro fine for using a swear word in a live TV interview, calling it a quarter of someone’s average annual salary in Europe.
- The World Rally Drivers’ Association (WoRDA) has been seeking dialogue with the FIA, but the governing body initially ignored their requests.
- The FIA has announced that it will establish dialogue with WRC drivers after the Safari Rally, with Roman Morand, Petter Solberg, and Émilie Abel leading the effort.
What’s Next
The situation is likely to continue to unfold in the coming days, with drivers and the FIA engaging in discussions about the fines and other issues. As the World Rally Championship continues, fans can expect to see more drama and controversy, both on and off the track. One thing is certain – the FIA is taking a firm stance on driver misconduct, and drivers will need to be mindful of their behavior to avoid hefty fines and penalties.
