Hello rally fans :)!
If you haven’t already, check out my last post about the Rallye Monte Carlo winners! Since the rally ended I’d like to take a look back at the rules this sport has and just how one small moment of not being careful gets you in a lot of trouble. It’s not a silly game, and that is what some people on Hive don’t understand. This is one of the most iconic and challenging events in the World Rally Championship (WRC). It’s know for the mixed weather, narrow mountain roads, and a mix of snow, ice, and tarmac, it pushes drivers and teams to their absolute limits🤯. But beyond the physical and mental demands of the rally, competitors must also always follow a complex set of rules and regulations!! There were several drivers facing penalties for breaches of the FIA WRC Sporting Regulations. Let’s take a closer look at the incidents that led to these penalties and the lessons learned shall we :)?
1. Eric Royère and Alexis Grenier: Mistakes Can Cost so Much
Eric Royère and his codriver Alexis Grenier, competing in car No. 58, were fined €1,000 for failing to activate the OK display on the FIA Safety tracking device within one minute of stopping during SS9. The regulation, outlined in Article 53.3.3, is designed to ensure the safety of crews by confirming their status after a stop.
Their team claimed that the OK button was unresponsive initially, but the stewards’ investigation revealed that the device was functioning correctly. This incident highlights the intense pressure crews face during the rally, where even a momentary lapse can result in significant penalties. In short, don’t mess with FIA🥶.
2. Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe: Wheel Issue with a Major Price Tag
The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team received a hefty €10,000 fine after Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe drove their car on a public road section with a non rotating left rear wheel. The breach of Article 34.1.5 of the 2025 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations, which mandates that all four wheels must rotate freely on public roads, was a serious safety concern (not really if you ask me but ok lol).
Neuville explained that they were unaware of the issue until informed by the FIA Technical Delegate. While the team acted swiftly to rectify the problem, the stewards emphasized that it is the crew’s responsibility to ensure compliance with safety regulations, especially after an accident. But at least he didn’t face a DNF!!
3. Julien Bréchet and Thomas Escartefigue: Another Tracking Device Mishap
Julien Bréchet and codriver Thomas Escartefigue, in car No. 64, were fined €250 for failing to activate the OK display on the FIA Safety tracking device within the required timeframe during SS13. Like Royère, they cited the heat of the moment as the reason for the oversight.
This incident underscores the importance of strict obedience to safety protocols, even for non priority drivers. It’s relatively small fine, but it serves as a reminder that no crew is exempt from the rules.
4. Henk Vossen and Willem Vissenberg: A Police Encounter costs them time
Henk Vossen and Willem Vissenberg’s rally took an unexpected turn when they were stopped by police for speeding on a road section. The 47 minute delay caused them to exceed the maximum permitted lateness (30 minutes) , resulting in their retirement from the rally under Article 34.3.4 of the 2025 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations.
Vossen argued that the police investigation was excessively lengthy, but the stewards upheld the penalties, saying that obeying to traffic laws is the crew’s responsibility. This incident serves as a stark reminder that rallying is not just about speed on the stages but also compliance with road laws.
5. Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson: A Moment of Celebration Turns Veryyy Costly
Oliver Solberg and the codriver Elliott Edmondson, driving for Printsport in car No. 20, were handed a 5minute time penalty for exhibition driving (“drifting”) on their way from the final podium to the Parc Fermé in Monaco. The breach of Article 34.1.3 and the rally’s supplementary regulations was deemed a potential safety risk due to the presence of spectators.
Solberg apologized for the lapse (but if you think you’re not in the wrong are you really sorry?), but the stewards decision reinforced the importance of maintaining discipline even in moments of celebration.
To me Oliver is nothing but a show off.. he could’ve accident loose control of the vehicle and hit the people or the car in front of him. So inconsiderate 🤦🏼♀️..
Conclusion: Rally of High Stakes
The penalties handed to these crews highlight the critical importance of listening to FIA’s strict regulations. Safety should always be No. 1!!! From safety protocols to traffic laws, every rule is designed to protect competitors, officials, and spectators.
In the high pressure environment of rallying, attention to detail and respect for the rules can make the difference between victory and costly penalties. As the WRC season progresses, the stakes will only get higher, and the lessons learned at Monte Carlo will undoubtedly shape the strategies of teams and crews in the races to come :).
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for upvoting, reblogging & commenting. It is greatly appreciated :)❤️!
Please visit: Hive Rally community 🏎️💨
