WRC Drivers and FIA Strike Deal on Swearing: New Zones to Control Language
Source: news.source.channelnewsasia
World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers have reached an agreement with the FIA to manage swearing during competitions. Following protests after a hefty fine imposed on Adrien Fourmaux, the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA) negotiated zones where swearing is permissible, distinguishing between controlled and uncontrolled areas. This compromise aims to respect the intense nature of rallying while maintaining decorum in media settings.
Key Points
WRC drivers and the FIA agreed on zones to manage swearing: controlled zones (e.g., media areas) and uncontrolled zones (e.g., stage ends, onboard cars).
The agreement followed protests after Adrien Fourmaux was fined 10,000 euros for swearing during a TV interview at Rally Sweden.
The compromise was negotiated by WoRDA, represented by Julien Ingrassia, ahead of the Canary Islands rally.
Drivers argued that fines were disproportionate to their incomes compared to Formula One, leading to the need for adjustments specific to rallying.
The FIA has similarly cracked down on swearing in Formula One under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership.
