The demand stems from Adrien Fourmaux’s swearing fine, which saw the French Hyundai driver penalised at the end of Rally Sweden.
The FIA has adopted a strict stance on swearing, particularly in live-tv interviews. However, WRC stars are not accepting the governing body’s rigid approach without a fight.
Read more: WRC stars rise up against the FIA – demanding changes in an open letter
In its official statement, WoRDA insisted that a mutually satisfactory solution must be found quickly. Two weeks after the statement’s release, co-driver Jonne Halttunen confirmed that the FIA had yet to reach out to the drivers’ alliance.
Until recently, WRC drivers and co-drivers were not formally organised, but Fourmaux’s case changed that – and fast.
“We hadn’t directly discussed forming an official alliance, but the idea had been there. Then this Fourmaux incident made it very clear, because we all agreed on the matter,” Halttunen told RallyJournal.com
“And from what we’ve heard from fans and even event organisers, many agree with us,” he added.
The next round of the WRC season takes place next week in Kenya. There is a real possibility that WRC competitors will stage a protest against the FIA’s stance during the iconic Safari Rally.
“We’ll see if we can make an impact. One option is for all the drivers to remain silent, but nobody wants that. It wouldn’t benefit anyone,” Halttunen said.
“But sometimes drivers and co-drivers need to speak up. And this organisation is a great way for us to present our concerns as one.”
Among the WRC stars, Hyundai’s Ott Tänak and Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier staged their own protest last autumn during Rally Chile, giving only brief comments in post-stage interviews. Their silent protest was in response to Ogier’s suspended €30,000 fine, which he received for his remarks during the Acropolis Rally in Greece. The event stewards ruled that Ogier’s comments put the WRC and its organisers in a negative light.
Safari Rally Kenya takes place on 20–23 March.
