The FIA swearing row – which also impacts F1 drivers – has been escalated following a protest by World Rally Championship drivers.
During Wednesday’s shakedown event at Safari Rally Kenya, drivers refused to comment, or only spoke in their native language, when fielding questions.
“This is why we – WoRDA Members – are now taking the responsible decision to remain silent at the end of the interviews or to answer in our mother tongue. In the own interest of our sport, such an action is unfortunately needed, and we apologize to all the rally fans, even though we know they support us in this.”
F1 drivers face fines of €40,000 for a first offence of expletive language, but could be hit with race bans if they repeatedly swear or criticise the FIA, as part of the fresh clampdown.
Last year, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was ordered to “accomplish some work of public interest” after swearing in an FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in September.
