Safari Rally Drama: Ott Tanak Takes Lead as Drivers Protest FIA Foul Language Rules
The Safari Rally Kenya kicked off with high drama as Ott Tanak seized the lead on the opening day, but the action on the tracks was overshadowed by a silent protest from drivers over the FIA’s strict foul language rules. The rally, known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions, saw Tanak dominate the early stages, but tensions off the track took center stage as competitors refused to speak out in solidarity with French driver Adrien Fourmaux, who was fined for swearing during a live broadcast.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has been enforcing its rules on foul language, which led to Fourmaux being fined 10,000 euros ($10,850) for using an expletive during Rally Sweden. This decision has sparked widespread discontent among drivers, who responded by staying silent or speaking minimally in their native languages during interviews. The controversy has drawn parallels to similar incidents in Formula One, where drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc faced penalties for using inappropriate language.
Despite the off-track drama, the Safari Rally delivered thrilling action as Tanak, the 2019 world champion, showcased his skill on Kenya’s rugged roads. The Estonian driver won the second stage of the day, edging out Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta by 1.1 seconds. Meanwhile, championship leader Elfyn Evans started strong but slipped to fifth in the second stage, setting the stage for an intense battle in the coming days.
Safari Rally Day 1: Tanak Shines Amidst Hyundai Setbacks
The opening day of the Safari Rally Kenya was a mixed bag for Hyundai, with Ott Tanak delivering a stellar performance while his teammates faced significant challenges. Tanak, driving for Hyundai, won the second stage of the day, finishing 1.1 seconds ahead of Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta. This victory put Tanak in the overall lead, 2.4 seconds ahead of Katsuta, with Gregoire Munster of Ford in third place.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Hyundai. Adrien Fourmaux, one of the team’s drivers, was unable to start the second stage after his car’s battery died while transitioning from the first stage. This setback left Fourmaux frustrated but determined to make a comeback. “It’s the type of rally where we can still score some points, even after retiring on the first day,” he said. “It’s not ideal, but we are going to try to get the best that we can.”
Thierry Neuville, another Hyundai driver, also faced difficulties during the second stage. The Belgian driver nearly rolled his car, ending up on two wheels and causing significant damage. Despite the incident, Neuville managed to finish the stage but lost nearly 20 seconds, putting him out of contention for the lead. Tanak’s performance was a silver lining for Hyundai, which will need to regroup ahead of the tougher stages on Friday.
Drivers Protest FIA Foul Language Rules at Safari Rally
The Safari Rally Kenya has become a battleground not just for racing supremacy but also for freedom of expression. Drivers across teams chose to remain silent or speak minimally in protest against the FIA’s strict foul language rules. This decision came after French driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined 10,000 euros for using an expletive during a live TV broadcast at Rally Sweden.
The FIA’s regulations have been a point of contention in the motorsport world, with similar incidents occurring in Formula One last season. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was ordered to perform community service for swearing during a press conference, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fined 10,000 euros for a similar offense. The drivers’ protest at the Safari Rally highlights the growing frustration within the racing community over what many see as overly harsh penalties.
Despite the off-track drama, the rally continued to deliver excitement. Elfyn Evans, the championship leader, won the first stage of the day but slipped to fifth in the second stage. Meanwhile, Tanak’s consistent performance put him in the lead, setting the stage for an intense battle in the days to come. The drivers’ silent protest added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the event, drawing attention to the broader issues within the sport.
Challenging Terrain Awaits Drivers on Safari Rally Day 2
As the Safari Rally Kenya moves into its second day, drivers are bracing themselves for a grueling challenge. Friday’s schedule includes eight stages covering a total of 159.06 kilometers near Naivasha, located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. The day will begin with a 32.2-kilometer run along the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, a stage that promises to test the limits of both man and machine.
Ott Tanak, who leads the rally after the first day, acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming stages. “I think the first stage tomorrow will show quite a lot,” he said. “It’s super tricky, very demanding, and long at the same time. I think the whole day will be quite a big show.” Tanak’s performance on Thursday has put him in a strong position, but the unpredictable nature of the Safari Rally means that anything can happen.
The challenging terrain is not the only obstacle drivers will face. The silent protest over the FIA’s foul language rules has added an extra layer of tension to the event. As the rally progresses, all eyes will be on how the drivers navigate both the physical and political challenges of the competition. With Tanak in the lead and a host of talented drivers hot on his heels, the Safari Rally Kenya is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the season.
