However, an unusual threat looms over the Chilean gravel event. Local rally driver Martin Scuncio has filed a protection appeal seeking guarantees from the Court of Appeals in Concepcion regarding driver safety in the Rally Chile.
Scuncio’s request is based on a dangerous situation he experienced during a round of the Chilean Rally Championship on 9 August. The Skoda Fabia Rally2 driven by Scuncio and co-driver Javiera Roman caught fire, forcing the pair to quickly escape the vehicle.
Scuncio pointed the finger at the event organisers, claiming that the required safety regulations were not followed during the rally.
According to Scuncio, the Chilean WRC round should not be held unless the organisers can comply with the safety standards set by the FIA. For this reason, he is seeking a court ruling on the matter.
The director of the Rally Chile, Felipe Horta, emphasised in an interview with local station Radio Bio Bio that the event has always adhered to the procedures and protocols mandated by the FIA and Chile’s national rally association.
“Now that the judiciary is involved, it is up to the courts to resolve the matter, but we are confident it will be resolved in accordance with the law,” Horta said.
“It saddens me to think that an event that has been built over more than two decades and is recognised worldwide is now exposed to this situation. Facing this is truly unfortunate,”Horta added.
The Rally Chile is scheduled for 26-29 September. The country hosted its first WRC round in 2019, and the event returned to the WRC calendar last year.
