The World Rally Championship and the FIA are facing mounting criticism after a punishing schedule at Rally Portugal drew sharp condemnation from top drivers and teams, raising urgent concerns about safety, working conditions, and the future of rally event planning.
The event’s grueling 10-stage Friday itinerary required crews to spend over 14 hours in their cars, covering more than 680 kilometers — a schedule many in the paddock deemed excessive and unsustainable. The format, which had been approved by the FIA, was quickly called into question as both drivers and teams spoke out.
Driver concerns hit boiling point
Among the most vocal critics were reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä and multi-time champion Sébastien Ogier, who expressed serious worries about driver fatigue and overall safety under such intense demands.
“Spending that long in the car is not just tough physically—it increases risk,” said Rovanperä. “We need to be smart about how we structure these events. Pushing limits shouldn’t mean pushing beyond reason.”
Ogier echoed the sentiment, calling the format “a step backwards” in terms of ensuring safety for both competitors and support staff.
Teams stretched thin as concerns grow
It wasn’t just the drivers who felt the strain. Elfyn Evans, another championship contender, pointed out that the long hours impact the entire rally ecosystem, including mechanics, engineers, and logistics crews who also work late into the night.
“This has been a recurring issue for years,” Evans said. “People forget it’s not just about the time in the car—it’s the long days, late nights, and constant stress. It’s not sustainable for the sport.”
FIA responds, but criticism lingers
In response to the backlash, the FIA acknowledged the intensity of Friday’s schedule but defended it as necessary for logistical and financial reasons tied to event funding and fan engagement. However, they made it clear that such an extended day would not become standard practice for future rallies.
A spokesperson for the FIA added that new guidelines for working hours and rally itineraries are already being developed and are expected to be implemented starting in 2025, with the goal of striking a balance between competitive integrity and safety.
A spectacular but controversial weekend
Despite the controversy, Rally Portugal was a massive spectator success, drawing tens of thousands of fans and delivering high-stakes drama across scenic gravel stages. The event once again highlighted the resilience and passion of WRC competitors—but also served as a wake-up call for the governing bodies.
The debate has opened the door for much-needed reform in the way rallies are structured, with drivers, teams, and organizers now calling for smarter, more sustainable schedules that protect both the thrill of the sport and the well-being of its participants.
As the WRC heads into the heart of the season, the message is clear: the spectacle must continue—but not at the cost of safety and sustainability.
