In a shocking turn of events, the FIA swearing controversy that rocked the World Rally Championship (WRC) has finally come to an end as stage-end interviews make a triumphant return at Rally Islas Canarias. The intense standoff between the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA) and the FIA has subsided after an agreement was reached regarding penalties for inappropriate language during events.
The chaos began when Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux was penalized for swearing during a television interview at Rally Sweden earlier this year, sparking outrage among WRC drivers. Fourmaux’s punishment of a €10,000 fine and a suspended €20,000 fine for his “inappropriate language” set off a chain of events that led to a unified stand by the drivers through WoRDA.
After intense discussions between WoRDA, led by the legendary co-driver Julien Ingrassia, and the FIA, a compromise has been reached. Moving forward, drivers will no longer face penalties for swearing during stage-end interviews or other heat-of-the-moment situations like radio communications with their teams. The focus will now shift to only sanctioning drivers for swearing during press conferences or official media zones, aligning with regulations in Formula 1.
The agreement, although not reflected in the current regulations, sets a clear distinction between controlled zones like press conferences where penalties apply, and uncontrolled zones such as stage-end interviews where drivers can express themselves more freely. This breakthrough allows drivers to concentrate on the sport itself as they gear up for the upcoming rally in the Canary Islands.
Ingrassia expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing the importance of trust between WoRDA members and the FIA. The collaboration has even led to Ingrassia being invited to the next WRC drivers’ committee meeting, strengthening communication channels between the drivers and the governing body.
With the swearing saga put to rest, all eyes are now on the thrilling action that will unfold at Rally Islas Canarias. The fans can expect a wild atmosphere as the drivers bring their A-game to the highly anticipated event.
