WRC drivers inspired by Formula 1 to question FIA swearing clampdown

The statement, released today, from the rally drivers came after Hyundai's French driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined 10,000 euros with a further 20,000 suspended, for swearing in a television interview at the end of this month's Rally Sweden.

The fine was the first since amendments to the sporting code in January, which also impacts F1 drivers, set out stiff sanctions for drivers who break the rules concerning conduct, including bad language.

The WRC drivers and co-drivers, some not full-time professionals, said they had been inspired by Formula 1 colleagues to express a joint opinion as the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA).

They said: "In recent months ... there has been an alarming increase in the severity of the sanctions imposed for minor, isolated and unintentional language lapses. This has reached an unacceptable level."

The drivers pointed out that common colloquialism was not equal to genuine insult or act of aggression and non-native speakers might not be aware of the meaning: "The exorbitant fines are vastly disproportionate to the average income and budget in rallying. We are also concerned with the public impression these excessive sums create in the minds of fans, suggesting this is an industry where money doesn't matter."

The statement said there was a "fundamental question" of where the money was going, with a lack of transparency undermining confidence in the system: "We call for a direct communication and engagement between the FIA and President and WoRDA members to find a mutually agreeable and urgent solution."

Formula 1 drivers, who hit out at Ben Sulayem last November in a GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) statement, face bigger fines. Four-times world champion Max Verstappen was punished for his language in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last September.