Drivers will either say nothing or speak in non-English languages at Safari Rally Kenya
WRC Rally drivers have taken a unified stand against the FIA’s strict language guidelines by refusing to conduct stage-end interviews in English during this weekend’s Safari Rally Kenya.
The decision comes in response to the €10,000 fine handed to Adrien Fourmaux for an expletive used in Sweden, a penalty that drivers deem excessive and unfair.
“Unfortunately you guys don’t hear from me so much this weekend, but if that’s what we need to do to make a difference, we will do it,” said reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä, explaining the drivers’ stance as per DirtFish.
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The move, coordinated by the newly formed World Rally Drivers’ Alliance (WoRDA), marks the first major collective action taken by WRC competitors in recent years.
WoRDA, which includes Rally1 and some WRC2 drivers, is demanding dialogue with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to revise what they call an “unacceptable” disciplinary measure for “minor, isolated, and unintentional language lapses.”
However, despite their formal request for a meeting on February 24, no discussion has taken place.
As a result, drivers have decided to either remain silent or respond only in their native languages at the end of each stage in Kenya.
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Welsh driver Elfyn Evans and Belgian Thierry Neuville answered in their mother tongues during Wednesday’s shakedown, while others, including Fourmaux, chose not to speak at all.
“Like you can see already here, adrenaline can be quite high at the end of the stage, so unfortunately regarding the latest actions we can’t give any end-of-stage comments until it’s again comfortable for the drivers,” said Ott Tänak, the 2019 world champion.
“That’s the way it is at the moment. Hopefully, the solution comes soon and we can go back to normal.”
The controversy stems from the FIA’s recent enforcement of stricter language policies, which led to Fourmaux’s substantial fine for uttering an expletive in a high-adrenaline moment following the powerstage in Rally Sweden.
WoRDA argues that such fines unfairly suppress the natural emotional reactions that make rallying thrilling for competitors and fans alike.
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In a fresh statement, WoRDA reiterated its position:
“We all agree to keep rudeness at the microphone to a minimum. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a certain freedom of expression and to keep emotions alive while drivers don’t need to be afraid of getting punished in any way.
“We have asked the president of the FIA for some positive changes in the rules to help us achieve this goal.
“For the reasons explained in our statement, it is impossible for us to guarantee that we (drivers and co-drivers) will be able to follow these rules perfectly and systematically.
“This is why we – WoRDA members – are now taking the responsible decision to remain silent at the end of the interviews or to answer in our mother tongue.”
The statement concluded with an apology to rally fans, while also acknowledging that many supporters back their cause.
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Though the FIA has yet to respond to the protest, the silence of WRC’s top drivers speaks volumes.
If no resolution is reached soon, the standoff could extend beyond Kenya, affecting media coverage and fan engagement at future events.
