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Sébastien Ogier Calls for Ban on Fireworks and Flares After Visibility Scare at Monte Carlo Rally

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
January 25, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Sébastien Ogier Calls for Ban on Fireworks and Flares After Visibility Scare at Monte Carlo Rally

Adrien Fourmaux (FRA) and Alex Coria (BEL) driving their Hyundai i20 N Rally1 during Rallye Monte-Carlo, round one of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship on 23 January 2025. // WRC Promoter GmbH / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202501230957 // Usage for editorial use only //

Rallying legend Sébastien Ogier, the record-breaking winner of the Monte Carlo Rally, has publicly criticized the use of fireworks and flares during special stages, calling for them to be banned due to their impact on driver visibility and safety.

Ogier encountered severe visibility issues during SS3 of the Monte Carlo Rally, which took place on Thursday night. With thick fog already complicating the stage, the added smoke from fireworks and flares set off by enthusiastic fans created what Ogier described as a dangerous situation.

“I am not a fan at all [of fireworks],” Ogier said. “Spectators think they are cool but, guys, please stop that. We are in the fog, we can’t see anything! I hope that sooner or later this will be banned because it’s not a great idea at all. So please stop with the fireworks and smoke.”


Divided Opinions Among Drivers

Ogier wasn’t alone in his concerns. Fellow world champion Ott Tänak shared similar frustrations, acknowledging the thrill fireworks provide for spectators but emphasizing the difficulties they create for drivers.

“It seemed quite many people sometimes also disturbing quite a lot with all the fires and smoke,” Tänak said. “It’s very difficult to see the road and hard to understand where you are.”

Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta echoed these sentiments, praising the vibrant atmosphere but calling the lack of visibility a significant challenge.

“It’s nice to see, but in some places maybe too much. We couldn’t see anything because of the smoke and fireworks. Looks amazing and beautiful but sometimes means you can’t see anything.”


A Defense of the Pyrotechnic Atmosphere

Not all drivers were critical. Grégoire Munster from M-Sport offered a contrasting perspective, expressing gratitude for the electric atmosphere created by passionate fans.

“A big thank you first to be able to drive these cars but also to do it in that atmosphere. You can’t dream of better!”


Safety Concerns Force Cancellation

The stage’s drama didn’t end there. Following safety concerns, SS3 was canceled after the first three Rally2 cars completed their runs. The FIA cited issues related to spectator safety, though the pyrotechnics added to the overall chaos.


A Balancing Act: Passion vs. Safety

The debate over fireworks and flares highlights a larger issue in motorsport—balancing the enthusiastic energy of fans with the safety and performance of drivers. While the visual spectacle of the Monte Carlo Rally’s opening night is undeniably captivating, Ogier’s concerns remind us that spectator excitement must not come at the cost of driver safety.

Will the FIA act on Ogier’s calls for change? Only time will tell, but the discussion is bound to intensify as the rally season continues.

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