AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

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.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Max Verstappen’s Shocking U-Turn: From Demotivating Comment to Success Revelation
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Shocking U-Turn: From Demotivating Comment to Success Revelation

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by David Castro
August 6, 2025
Lando Norris’s Epic Strategy Unleashed to Overthrow Oscar Piastri in F1 Showdown
Motorsports

Lando Norris’s Epic Strategy Unleashed to Overthrow Oscar Piastri in F1 Showdown

Formula One F1 - Hungarian Grand Prix - Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary - August 3, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates after...

by Carl Harrison
August 6, 2025
Stefano Domenicali Hails Lewis Hamilton: Unleashing the Champion Within Amidst Turmoil
Motorsports

Stefano Domenicali Hails Lewis Hamilton: Unleashing the Champion Within Amidst Turmoil

Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - April 12, 2025 F1 CEO Stefano...

by Harry Bright
August 6, 2025
Mercedes Brink of Sealing Historic George Russell Deal: Racing World Awaits Epic Announcement
Motorsports

Mercedes Brink of Sealing Historic George Russell Deal: Racing World Awaits Epic Announcement

Formula One F1 - Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria - June 27, 2025 Mercedes' George Russell...

by Virgilio Machado
August 6, 2025

Recent News

Renovado Hyundai i30 chega com mais conectividade: conheça o preço

Mobi.E: electric vehicle charging records historic results in July.

August 7, 2025
Setor automóvel norte-americano critica acordo comercial entre os EUA e a Grã-Bretanha

General Motors accelerates plan to reduce dependence on rare earth metals from China.

August 6, 2025
XPeng apresenta o renovado P7 com novo design e mais tecnologia

XPeng presents the revamped P7 with a new design and more technology.

August 6, 2025
Mini pronta para apresentar dois novos ‘showcar’ no Salão de Munique

Mini ready to present two new ‘showcars’ at the Munich Motor Show.

August 6, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks