Fierce rivals lined up to support Sébastien Ogier after the Frenchman was fined 30,000 euros for breaking the drivers’ code of conduct.
Before the Chilean round of the Rally World Series, the events of the previous race weekend are still telling. For Sébastien Ogier was given a conditional fine of 30,000 euros after he had criticized the jury of the World Rally Championship in Greece after the opening special test.
Ogier was surprised by the action of the jury, as they had not extended the starting intervals despite the drivers’ request. Ogier wondered if something was going on in the jury’s head. Due to the shorter starting intervals, dust floated in front of the drivers who started from behind and it reduced their visibility on the roads.
Ogier’s criticism was considered harmful to the international automobile association FIA. The jury interpreted Ogier as having violated the rules of conduct for drivers of the World Series.
Now the competition partners have positioned themselves strongly behind Ogier. After the test special stage of the World Rally Championship in Chile Ott Tänak poked fun at the sport management in his own unique style.
– These are interesting times. I don’t know what I can say, but I’m living my dream and enjoying these cars, Tänak answered a question about his expectations for this weekend’s World Rally Championship.
Tänak later confirmed that the strange talk was related to FIA sanctions. According to Tänak, right now you have to be careful what you say and how you express your feelings.
– In the rally with Sebi and also based on the Formula 1s, we are really on the radar at the moment, so let’s see where this goes, Tänak stated For Autosport and also referred to what was said after last weekend in the Formula 1s Max Verstappen’s to punishment.
Verstappen had cursed at the press conference when he described his car as weaker than his competitors.
– It is difficult to say what this is aimed at. Maybe the promoter should get us together and explain what they expect from us. At the moment, giving interviews after special exams without emotion makes it really difficult to know how to behave, Tänak said.
Ogier has been fighting for the world championship with Hyundai Thierry Neuville against, but crashed his car on the last special stage of the World Rally Championship in Greece. Neuville has a chance to win his first world championship this weekend in Chile if everything goes perfectly for him and others struggle.
Ogier also teased Neuville during the World Cup Rally in Greece, but despite this twist, Neuville gave his support to the French multi-champion.
According to Neuville, Ogier did not deserve punishment or a fine for his comment.
– We are talking about safety, which had not been taken care of, because the required measures had not been taken. All the drivers had informed the FIA about it. It’s easy to issue fines to keep drivers quiet and to hide problems, Neuville told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
– This is top-level sport. We have dedicated our whole lives to this. We have emotions that are part of this species. If we’re not allowed to show our emotions anymore… We’re being photographed, so we try to set an example, but we can’t control everything all the time. The best pictures and comments are from the past years, when we were still able to express ourselves.
Ogier will have to pay a fine if he breaks the rules in a similar way in the next two years. Ogier had a hard time in Chile.
– I never hesitate to talk about anything related to safety. Many may not have the courage to do so, but that is not my problem. I’m not perfect. I could use better words, but this is not always easy. Especially after special tests, when we are full of adrenaline, Ogier stated to RTBF.
– I will never pay such a fine. I will take them (the FIA) to court if necessary. They are the ones who put us in dangerous situations. There is no place for that.