Hyundai has acknowledged Thierry Neuville’s disqualification from last week’s Safari Kenya Rally – but raised further questions in the language used in its statement.
The Belgian was kicked out of the official classification by a stewards decision late on Sunday night, having originally been registered eighth overall.
The statement said: “Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team acknowledges the decision of the stewards to disqualify car #11 (Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe) from Safari Rally Kenya as a breach of article 35.4.2 – access of the stages by car.”
The statement then moved to highlight Wydaeghe’s concerns at anti-cutting devices being placed on corners after the recce.
Wydaeghe told the stewards the issue “highlighted the crew’s concern when it comes to the safe navigation of the challenging routes and how they perceive some ambiguity to what constitutes corner-cutting and the anti-cutting measures that the organizer was perceived to have introduced following reconnaissance.”
A source close to the organizers explained that altering corners was common practice within the World Rally Championship – but video evidence of these changes was issued to all of the teams. DirtFish understands this happened at Rally Italy Sardinia as well.
Hyundai’s statement continued: “Despite the circumstances brought forward by the crew in relation to the uncertainty of road limits at this specific event, we understand and take note of the FIA’s position to take necessary steps to stop the customary practice of participants accessing the roads to enhance their knowledge.
“We will work with the FIA to continue to promote safety and equality of crews on the stages.”
The use of “customary practice” is a concern for the wider WRC community.
DirtFish has contacted the FIA for comment.
