In a show of defiance against the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) strict language policy, World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers are opting for silence or their native tongues in interviews. This move, coordinated by the World Rally Drivers’ Alliance (WoRDA), is a powerful response to the FIA’s no-tolerance stance on drivers’ language during race weekends.
The WoRDA, a new entity akin to Formula 1’s Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), came into being in the wake of a hefty fine slapped on Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux. The French driver, who was penalized €10,000 with a suspended €20,000 fine for swearing in a televised interview during the Rally Sweden in January, was the catalyst for the formation of WoRDA.
The alliance has since been vocal about its dissatisfaction with the FIA and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. In a recent statement, WoRDA has called for a “mutually agreeable and urgent solution” to the current language policy. This plea appears to have fallen on deaf ears, prompting the group to further clarify its intended course of action.
“We all agree to keep rudeness at the microphone to a minimum,” the alliance stated. “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.”
WoRDA argues that this policy stifles the drivers’ freedom of expression, and without changes to the rules, they cannot guarantee perfect adherence. As a result, its members have decided to either remain silent during post-race interviews or respond in their native languages.
“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 statement further elaborated.
This development comes ahead of the Safari Rally Kenya, where the drivers have vowed to either maintain silence during compulsory media interactions or use their respective languages instead of English. This protest is anticipated to shake up the traditional post-race proceedings and draw attention to the ongoing dispute with the FIA.
While the silence may be deafening, it is a bold move aimed at advocating for change within the sport. How the FIA responds to this collective act of defiance remains to be seen. As the drivers double down on their stance, the world of motorsport watches with bated breath.
