FIA road sport director Andrew Wheatley has announced that Rally Japan will face repercussions after a non-competing vehicle unexpectedly entered a live stage for the second occasion in three years, raising serious safety concerns.
The incident occurred when a police-escorted minivan was spotted driving the wrong way down SS12, reaching the starting point just moments before driver Elfyn Evans was about to launch his powerful Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 into the stage, nearly causing a dangerous situation.
“The first thing we have to do is understand exactly what happened,” Wheatley told DirtFish, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. “We have to understand how it happened, and then we need to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.”
“The initial report we have indicates that it’s conceptually similar to the incident we experienced two years ago, although the specifics differ. So, we need to gather detailed information from the organizers, who are diligently working on that, and then collaborate with them to guarantee that this type of situation doesn’t recur.”
When questioned about the potential repercussions following this second intrusion into the stages since Japan rejoined the World Rally Championship in 2022, Wheatley affirmed: “Yes, for sure. They were under a yellow card last year following the 2022 incident, and the yellow card system is designed to ensure that the appropriate personnel and skills are in place to review the situation thoroughly.”
Wheatley clarified that this year’s event was not currently under a yellow card status, but indicated that such a measure is likely to be reinstated for future events in 2025 if necessary.
**How does the FIA plan to address repeated safety breaches in events such as Rally Japan?**
**Interview with FIA Road Sport Director Andrew Wheatley on Rally Japan Safety Concerns**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Andrew. Let’s start with the recent incident at Rally Japan where a police-escorted minivan entered a live stage just before Elfyn Evans was set to start. This is the second such occurrence in three years. What is your immediate reaction to this breach of safety?
**Wheatley:** It’s certainly concerning. Our first priority is, and always will be, the safety of everyone involved in the event, including drivers, teams, and fans. This is why we need to understand exactly how this incident occurred and work closely with the event organizers to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this incident shares similarities with a previous one from two years ago. How are you planning to differentiate the two cases during your investigation?
**Wheatley:** While the concept is similar, the specifics can vary significantly. We’re collecting detailed information from the organizers about this incident and will analyze how it deviated from the protocols that were supposed to be in place. This will be a critical part of our investigation.
**Interviewer:** With this being a repeat issue, what repercussions do you foresee for Rally Japan, especially considering they were already on a yellow card last year?
**Wheatley:** Yes, there will definitely be repercussions. The yellow card system is in place to ensure strict oversight. Although this year they are not under a yellow card status, if we find that significant failings occurred, we will likely impose that measure again for future events. Our goal is to make sure all events adhere to the highest safety standards.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
**Wheatley:** We will work diligently with the event organizers to review safety protocols and ensure that everyone involved understands their responsibilities. We will implement stricter oversight and consider additional measures to boost communication and safety awareness during the events.
**Interviewer:** what message do you have for fans and participants who are concerned about safety after such incidents?
**Wheatley:** I want to reassure everyone that safety is our top priority. We take these incidents very seriously and are committed to addressing any shortcomings. It’s crucial for us to maintain trust within the community, and we are here to ensure that Rally Japan remains a safe and enjoyable event.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Andrew, for your insights. Now, to our readers: What do you think are the most effective strategies for improving safety in rally events? Are the penalties warranted, or should we focus on improving communication and procedures instead? Share your thoughts!
