WRC Driver Conduct On Road Sections - Case Tänak at Monte Carlo
https://twitter.com/peachaparacing/s...25243279323137
After seeing the above video the heart of the rally fan in me was warmed up for a short fleeting moment, but quickly a voice of reason took over and I realised this is actually absolutely horrible promotion for the sport that has potential to really damage it if allowed to continue. Rallying should be done on the stages and showboating like this in public traffic should be totally condemned. Yes I know, he didn't endanger anyone in this clip, he was sliding so slowly that he didn't even probably break the speed limit and the cars are made to be driven like that, he can slide safely like that with eyes closed and with one hand on the wheel etc. etc., that's not the point, but it's really about the example this shows. You are out there promoting Toyota and Microsoft and you conduct yourself like this in public traffic, showboating for a couple of fans? No. That just won't do anymore, it's 2018 not 1988. I would make a serious example case out of Mr. Tänak and hand out a heavy penalty, disqualify him from Monte Carlo results and ban him for a couple of events. No fines or warnings or nonsense like that, just give him a good hard penalty. That will teach him and set an example and warning for everyone else. Unfortunately not all the other road users are rally fans and doesn't FIA have a high agenda on improving road traffic safety anyway? This is not exactly in line with that. I also very highly doubt that showboating in public roads is in line with the values that Toyota wants to promote through their WRC programme.
Don't get me wrong, this kind of road section driving has been part of WRC since day one and I have seen much, much worse. I have seen drivers take road sections in stage speed to make it in time for a time control, paying absolutely no regard for the safety of other road users. And I know drivers warming up their tires during the road sections is still the norm today. But we can't look back and think that everything that was ok in the past should continue to be ok now or in the future as that's a good way to slowly kill the sport. It's time to start to take some actions. If you are late for time control, tough luck, you will drive slowly according to speed limits or you are out of the rally. If you have to start the stage with a bit colder tires, tough luck, you take the first few corners a bit slower and drive according to the tire temperatures. If you showboat on road sections, you are out and banned from competing for a while.
