The World Rally Championship took another dramatic turn after the Sardinian round, when two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä made headlines not only for his third place but also for his explosive reaction. The FIA’s attempt to contain his comments in the post-race press conference failed, and Rovanperä’s blunt words have ignited a heated debate within the WRC community. Sardinia’s demanding gravel roads once again provided relentless drama, but this time the spotlight was also on the power struggle behind the scenes.
The Rally Sardinia was as challenging as expected. Kalle Rovanperä, Toyota’s star driver, drove a convincing race to finish third behind Sebastien Ogier and Ott Tänak. However, Rovanperä was far from satisfied. After the race, he strongly criticized the new Hankook tires, which have caused a stir among drivers. The difference between the soft and hard compounds has caused confusion, and Rovanperä did not mince his words when describing the tires’ unpredictable behavior on Sardinia’s rocky roads. “These tires are a joke. One minute you think you’re in control, and the next you’re on the bench,” Rovanperä quipped in an interview with MTV.
The FIA, which has recently tightened its rules on public comments by drivers, tried to rein in Rovanperä’s speech. Under the new rules that come into effect in 2025, drivers’ swearing and overly critical statements can lead to penalties, as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has sought to clean up the sport’s image. However, Rovanperä’s outburst broke this wall of silence. He not only criticized the tires, but also questioned the FIA’s decision to restrict drivers’ freedom of speech. “If we can’t say what it feels like when the car doesn’t work or the tires fail, what’s the point of talking at all?” Rovanperä asked at a press conference, leaving FIA representatives speechless.
Rovanperä’s outburst did not go unnoticed. On the X-platform, his comments spread like wildfire, and fans were divided in their opinions. Some praised the Finn for his honesty, writing for example: “Kalle says it like it is! The FIA cannot silence the truth.” Others considered his approach too aggressive, fearing that it could lead to penalties, such as fines or even a ban. The points situation in the World Rally Championship is tight, and Rovanperä is behind Elfyn Evans and Tänak, but only 20 points behind the leader. A possible penalty could jeopardize his championship dream.
The FIA’s strict stance is not a new phenomenon. Earlier this season, Ben Sulayem was criticized for restricting drivers’ freedom of expression, especially when he opposed political statements. However, Rovanperä’s case is the first in which a driver has so openly challenged the FIA’s authority on technical and safety issues. The Sardinia Rally was itself a demonstration of the sport’s ruthlessness: Adrien Fourmaux’s retirement, Sami Pajar’s tire problems and Emil Lindholm’s retirement in the WRC2 class reminded us how small mistakes can be fatal. Rovanperä’s comments about tires hit a sensitive spot, as they reflect a wider dissatisfaction with the series’ technical changes.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala supported Rovanperä, but reminded the team that it must operate within the rules. “Kalle is passionate and he wants the best for the sport. But we have to be careful not to give the FIA reason to penalise,” Latvala commented. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, who retired in Sardinia with a puncture, agreed with Rovanperä’s views, but was more careful in his choice of words. “The tyres are a problem, but we have to find a solution together, not just by shouting,” Neuville told Dirt Fish.
Rovanperä’s reaction has raised questions about the future of the World Rally Championship. With the new Rally1 hybrid cars and Hankook tyres already causing controversy, silencing drivers could further alienate fans. Rally Sardinia showed that Rovanperä is not only fast but also ready to defend his views, even if it puts him on a collision course with the FIA. The upcoming events, especially the rallies in Poland and Finland, will show how the FIA reacts and whether this will affect Rovanperä’s performance. One thing is certain: his words have ignited a spark that could change the dynamics of the WRC world.
