The World Rally Championship (WRC) has resolved a contentious dispute over the FIA’s swearing ban, following weeks of driver protests and calls for reform.

The standoff began after Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 (approximately Ksh 1.42 million) for using a single English expletive during a stage-end interview at Rally Sweden, with a further €20,000 (about Ksh 2.84 million) suspended fine underlining the severity of the new regulations.

The FIA’s updated code, introduced for 2025, imposed strict penalties for swearing—including hefty fines and the threat of suspensions or point deductions for repeat offenders.

In response, WRC drivers—represented by the newly formed World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA)—boycotted stage-end interviews at the Safari Rally Kenya.

Many drivers either remained silent or spoke only in their native languages, citing the rules as unrealistic and disproportionate given the emotional intensity and spontaneity of rally competition.

WoRDA argued that while professionalism is important, authenticity and genuine emotion are central to the sport’s appeal, and that spontaneous language in high-pressure moments should not be harshly penalized.

After the Kenya protest, WoRDA and the FIA entered formal talks, seeking a compromise that would address both the drivers’ concerns and the FIA’s desire for professionalism.

According to WoRDA representative Julien Ingrassia, an agreement has now been reached. Under the new arrangement, drivers will not be penalized for spontaneous swearing during stage-end interviews, provided the language is not directed at anyone in an insulting or aggressive way.

This approach will also apply to team radio communications and in-car exchanges that may be broadcast live. However, a stricter zero-tolerance policy will remain in place for official press conferences and controlled media zones, where formal conduct is expected.

This compromise is seen as a significant step forward, balancing the need for authentic driver reactions with the FIA’s standards for public conduct. With the agreement in place, drivers will resume regular interviews at the upcoming Rally Islas Canarias, marking a return to normalcy for fans and competitors alike.

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