The top WRC drivers and co-drivers formed their own association, WoRDA, after the FIA decided to penalise Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux at the end of Rally Sweden. Fourmaux uttered a single swear word in a post-stage interview, which ultimately cost him €10,000.
Following the incident, the newly established driver association sent an open letter to the FIA, but the organisation did not issue an official response until just before Safari Rally Kenya. Drivers and co-drivers are seeking dialogue with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding issues related to freedom of speech and expression.
Under bin Sulayem’s leadership, the FIA has taken a strict stance on swearing and public demonstrations. As a result, drivers must carefully consider their public statements – otherwise, they risk facing penalties.
Post-stage interviews in the WRC are unique because they are conducted immediately after a performance – unlike in most other sports. This allows drivers’ raw emotions to be expressed and shared with the sport’s fans.
One aspect of Ben Sulayem’s actions has particularly puzzled drivers: he knows exactly what emotions a competitor experiences immediately after a special stage. The Emirati official is a former rally driver himself, having won the Middle East Rally Championship 14 times between 1986 and 2002. He also competed in 23 WRC rallies during his career.
With this background in mind, current WRC drivers are baffled as to how the FIA President can stand behind the current policy. When adrenaline is pumping during an interview, a strong word might slip out – without any intention to offend.
“I hope and I think he knows the feeling, our feeling, and everything,” Toyota’s Japanese star Takamoto Katsuta said in Kenya.
“Imagine you are finishing after being next to death. Then, straight away, someone puts a mic in front of you and asks, ‘How was it?’ You are emotional and want to say something because you were really close to something happening.”
Katsuta and his fellow drivers hope to have discussions with the FIA soon.
“We need to find a solution that works because fans also want to see some drama and emotions,” Katsuta emphasised.
According to Katsuta, the drivers were disappointed that the FIA did not engage in discussions immediately after the WoRDA statement. However, with their protest in Safari Rally Kenya, the drivers have certainly caught the attention of the sport’s governing body.
“We, all WRC drivers and co-drivers, had to do something. Otherwise, nothing would have changed.”
“Nowadays, it is more and more important to be in the media and on social media, and at the same time, we need to be careful. I understand what they (FIA) are trying to do, but we both need to respect each other,” Katsuta said.
