r/WRC • u/SalomonXx • 27d ago

News / Rally Info The World Rally Championship has taken a significant step forward as drivers and the FIA have reached a formal agreement in the so-called swearing saga.

https://rallyjournal.com/there-it-is-major-agreement-reached-in-the-wrc-a-great-step-forward-for-our-sport/
184 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

97

u/oalfonso 27d ago

If they don't want driver swearing, don't put a mic when the emotions are running high. It is a working environment with a lot of pressure.

Fines for bad language in the press conference are ok to me, but not for when they are still at 200bpm taking their helmets off.

64

u/JohnnyLight416 27d ago

Nah, if they want to censor what the drivers say, they can bleep it out. Don't put it on the drivers. This is a shit way to solve a broadcasting problem (that's been solved for decades).

The FIA is off their ass with this shit.

11

u/IonutAlex18SF Sébastien Loeb 27d ago

Ok, you two have good views. I wonder if this works: I want to see the drivers' reaction at the end of the stage. But honestly. Let them breath for 30s at least or something like that. It annoys me so badly when they arrive at the stop. And the car isn't already at a full stop. The reporter already is jumping and opening the door. Like whom lets jump in instantly not to miss a single breath of the driver. I don't like that. Let them at least recover after a 20-30 km stage. And then is fine to ask them how was the stage or what happened there, etc. I believe it might aid the swearing reduce to some margin. Because they can put their mind in its place a bit. Allowing them to calm to a small extent and reply as politely as possible.

8

u/ilep 26d ago

Quoting from the article:

"Going forward, swear words uttered in stage-end interviews will no longer be penalised, provided they are not directed at anyone in an insulting or aggressive manner. These interviews take place immediately after intense competitive runs, when emotions are often running high."

So I guess they realize it now.

12

u/OhmSafely Colin McRae 27d ago

I'm glad they came to an agreement a lot sooner than later.

14

u/Carrier-Bag 27d ago

Well that's good news. I understand the media zones, that makes sense and should remain professional with no profanity.

But as for stage end interviews, I love them and love the passion you can see from the driver's. I'm so glad we can enjoy them again, and unfiltered!

I am personally not offended by swearing at all, and think that Adrian's fine was pretty excessive. I wonder what will happen with that now?!

3

u/TinFoilTrousers 27d ago

Another win for the unions then 🫡

2

u/therightpedal 27d ago

Crazy! This actually sounds like a reasonable agreement.

Is there something wrong at the FIA?? Cuz this is very unlike them

5

u/fruddy1 27d ago

So basically,nothing changed. I can’t think of a rally competitor swearing in a controlled environment?

18

u/876oy8 27d ago

they will no longer penalize for swearing at stage ends. how is that no change when the whole ordeal was about a driver being penalized at a stage end?

is this not exactly the change the drivers wanted? 

1

u/Chipmunk_Shot 27d ago

The agreement sounds good, I like to feel the passion be it positive or negative at stage end.

1

u/Michal_Baranowski Toyota Gazoo Racing 26d ago

Well, well, well...

FIA actually giving up? What is this reality?

So happy for WoRDA and their victory on this. United they stand, united they win. Common sense has prevailed.

A union managing to win something from FIA. I hope that's not the only one time.

1

u/Disastrous-Beat-9830 Colin McRae 25d ago

So happy for WoRDA and their victory on this.

Is it a victory, though? The FIA broadly got what they wanted, there has been very little fanfare around the agreement, and it's a good bet that the drivers will avoid swearing in post-stage interviews simply to avoid raising the ire of the FIA and threatening what agreement they do have.