WRC drivers call on FIA president for 'urgent solution' to blasphemy sanctions

The statement comes after Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 and faced a €20,000 suspended sentence for swearing during an interview at the end of the Swedish Rally.

Fourmaux was penalised for breaching article 12.2.1.l of the 2025 FIA International Sporting Code, which covers the use of 'inappropriate language'.

WRC drivers have strongly opposed the FIA's ban on swearing, saying the penalties imposed for "minor and unintentional remarks" have reached an unacceptable level.

The drivers also stressed that the FIA ​​must ensure transparency when determining these penalties, which the statement said were "excessively high compared to average revenues and budgets in the rally world".

The WRC's leading drivers and co-drivers have contacted FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem directly, calling for a mutually acceptable and urgent solution.

The declaration was also signed by drivers who competed in WRC Rally1 and WRC2, as well as Ogier's former co-driver and current television commentator Julien Ingrassia .

The move by the WRC drivers is similar to last year's reaction by the Formula One Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) after Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was given a community service penalty for swearing at the FIA ​​press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Adrien Fourmaux, Hyundai World Rally Team

Photo by: Romain Thuillier / Hyundai Motorsport

The WoRDA (World Rally Drivers Association) statement is as follows:

"Inspired by their colleagues at GPDA, WoRDA's rally drivers and co-drivers have come together to express their views, seek transparency and collaborate for a brighter future."

"Above all, as in all sports, athletes must obey the referee's decision. We respect this principle."

"We all tackle the same extreme conditions with the same passion and determination. From forests to frozen roads, from dusty gravel tracks to night races, we push our limits."

"In addition to our identity as athletes, we are also a part of the entertainment industry. Today, rally drivers and co-drivers are not only athletes, but also content producers and constant figures in the media."

"We are expected to be available at all times, from the spectators' phones to the WRC's cameras."

"As WoRDA, we have always been aware of our responsibilities and committed to collaborating constructively with all stakeholders, including the FIA ​​President, to promote and elevate our sport for the benefit of all."

"However, in recent months there has been a worrying increase in sanctions imposed for minor and unintentional language errors. This has reached an unacceptable level."

"We firmly believe that:

• Expressions used in everyday language cannot be considered and judged as equivalent to an insult or act of aggression.
• Drivers whose native language is not English may use some expressions without knowing the exact meaning of the words.
• It is unrealistic to keep emotions completely under control just seconds after experiencing an extreme adrenaline rush.
• "Rallying is a sport famous for its difficult conditions. The level of risk for the athletes, the intensity of concentration, the length of the days... In short, every limit is pushed."

"We therefore question the validity of any penalty. We also consider the heavy fines imposed to be disproportionate when compared to the average revenues of rally sport."

"We are also concerned about the impression these excessive amounts will create in the minds of fans."

"This also raises the fundamental question of where the money from these fines goes."

"The lack of transparency on this issue only increases concerns and erodes trust in the system. There is no doubt that the negative impressions of these penalties far outweigh the impact of any linguistic errors."

"We call for direct communication and interaction between the FIA ​​President and WoRDA members to find a mutually acceptable and urgent solution."