WRC drivers refused to give stage-end interviews at the previous round in Kenya. The move was a protest by WoRDA – the newly formed drivers’ association – in response to the FIA’s extremely strict stance on the use of swear words.
WoRDA was established after Rally Sweden in February, when Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 for using a single English swear word during a stage-end interview.
WoRDA stressed that drivers should not be penalised for spontaneous swearing in the heat of the moment. WoRDA wanted to engage in dialogue with the FIA and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, but received no response before the Safari Rally.
Following the rally in Kenya, it was reported that WoRDA and the FIA had finally agreed to hold talks. According to information received by RallyJournal.com, the negotiations ultimately produced a solution that satisfied both parties.
The outcome has been confirmed to RallyJournal.com by Julien Ingrassia, former top-level co-driver and WoRDA’s de facto representative.
“It’s been a long process to get to this point, but it’s a great step forward for our sport,” Ingrassia said.
According to Ingrassia, a key element of the agreement is the recognition that the WRC is a unique environment. Drivers typically give around 20 stage-end interviews during a rally weekend, and fans expect to see and hear genuine emotions and reactions in those moments.
Going forward, swear words uttered in stage-end interviews will no longer be penalised, provided they are not directed at anyone in an insulting or aggressive manner. These interviews take place immediately after intense competitive runs, when emotions are often running high.
The same flexible approach will apply to radio communications within teams, as well as driver and co-driver exchanges on special stages and road sections – all of which may be shown live during WRC broadcasts.
However, in more formal interview settings, drivers will still need to choose their words carefully. Controlled zones, such as media zones before service breaks, require interviews with press representatives, and a stricter standard will apply.
Swearing will also remain off-limits during official press conferences and similar occasions. In these controlled zones, a zero-tolerance policy remains in place – and breaking the rule may result in costly reminders from the stewards.
Thanks to the agreement between WoRDA and the FIA, drivers will return to giving regular stage-end interviews at next week’s Rally Islas Canarias – the newest addition to the WRC calendar, taking place on the asphalt roads of Gran Canaria.
