WRC Drivers Form Alliance Against FIA’s Swearing Ban at Safari Rally Kenya

WRC drivers are protesting the FIA’s new misconduct guidelines banning swearing during interviews, which led to fines. At the Safari Rally Kenya, drivers opted for silence or spoke in their native tongues, voicing their opposition through the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA). They seek to negotiate with the FIA for changes to these rules, emphasizing the need for freedom of expression without punishment.

Drivers in the World Rally Championship (WRC) are protesting against the FIA’s new misconduct guidelines, which impose fines for swearing during television interviews. This discontent was notably displayed at the Safari Rally Kenya, where drivers opted to remain silent or speak in their native languages during stage-end interviews, a tactic likely to continue for the duration of the event.

Notable drivers such as Adrien Fourmaux and Takamoto Katsuta refrained from answering questions posed by television reporters during the first shakedown run. Their silence serves to highlight their opposition to the FIA’s regulations on “inappropriate language” following a recent fine imposed on Fourmaux for swearing during an interview at Rally Sweden.

Fourmaux received a €10,000 fine and a suspended €20,000 fine for his remarks, infringing Article 12.2.1.l of the 2025 FIA International Sporting Code regarding inappropriate language. Following this incident, a coalition of drivers formed the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA), echoing sentiments from Formula 1’s Grand Prix Drivers Association.

WoRDA issued a statement aimed at the FIA, criticizing the severity of the penalties for minor language infractions and urging FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to negotiate a resolution. They expressed the need for drivers to have the freedom to express emotions without fear of punitive consequences, acknowledging the difficulty in strictly adhering to language regulations.

The statement emphasized WoRDA’s collective decision to either remain silent during interviews or respond in their mother tongues. This was deemed necessary for the integrity of the sport, despite the expectation to explain their actions to rally fans.

As of recently, the FIA has not publicly addressed WoRDA’s statement, leaving drivers in a state of uncertainty. Drivers, including Kalle Rovanpera and Ott Tanak, shared their plans to limit comments during interviews due to this situation, stressing the need for change to return to normality in interviews at the end of stages.

“If that is the case of what we need to do to make a difference, we will do it,” stated Rovanpera, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding this issue.

The WRC drivers are actively protesting the FIA’s stringent rules against swearing, which they believe stifle their freedom of expression and impose excessive penalties for minor infractions. Forming the WoRDA signifies a unified stance in seeking dialogue with the FIA to address these issues. Their current strategy of silence or using native languages in interviews aims to prompt necessary changes in the rules while apologizing to their fanbase for any inconvenience.

Original Source: www.autosport.com