FIA AND DRIVERS MEET TO DISCUSS DECISION MAKING

World champion Ogier says meeting with FIA was ‘constructive’

World Rally Championship crews met with the FIA to discuss greater involvement in the decision-making processes in the sport last week.

Both sides reported a positive response from the Thursday meeting in Mexico and cited the need for better communication. The need for discussion arose from the previous round in Sweden, where the drivers felt their voice wasn’t heard in the discussion over cancelling stages in the lack of ice and cold temperatures needed to make the tyres work.

World Rally champion Sebastien Ogier was guarded in his response when questioned in detail about the meeting, pointing out that the crews didn’t want to talk publicly about precise points.

“We had a very constructive meeting and it was nice to have the chance to talk with them on this,” said Ogier. “We all want to go forward and all in the same direction.”

WRC manager Jarmo Mahonen agreed with Ogier, adding: “We have agreed to keep the distance [between the FIA and the drivers] short. We want to communicate more and this is not only with the top drivers, but with all of the drivers.”

Mahonen, who will meet with WRC2 and WRC3 crews in Portugal, believes bridges have been built between the governing body and drivers.

“The faith is there now,” he said. “That was one of the main things we had to work on. I think the whole thing has been a lack of communication. We have been talking in many things – but it’s mainly the work to keep the sport safe. I have a feeling we have found each other.”