GC Kompetition has explained what led to the team being fined €5000 after three members of the RX Cartel squad – run by GCK – missed temperature checks upon arriving at the Kouvola track.
A stewards bulletin issued on Sunday morning revealed that three RX Cartel team members violated point 14.4 of the FIA World Rallycross Championship COVID-19 return to racing event plan by foregoing the mandatory temperature checks that must be undertaken by all paddock personnel.
This was because they entered the track at a location other than the main entrance, where the temperature checks were being carried out.
In a statement provided to DirtFish, the team said that the incident was a simple mistake stemming from the fact that they travelled to the circuit from a different direction to what it had previously, and confirmed that all team members involved did later take their mandatory temperature checks once the error had been realized.
“Some of our team members missed this morning’s temperature check at the entrance gate by mistake, having used a different gate that was open to enter the circuit,” read the statement.
“Having arrived from a different direction today, the team members entered through the first open gate leading to their team structure to start their working day.
“However, this gate was not manned and the guys therefore missed their morning temperature check. Upon realizing, they were asked to go and retake their tests, which of course everyone did promptly and successfully.”
GCK added that it accepted the ruling which, other than the fine, resulted in no further action from event organizers or the FIA.
“As a team, we take the health and safety regulations put in place by the FIA and the Championship very seriously and are incredibly grateful to have a system in place that allows all Championship teams to go racing together safely. We completely understand the ruling and of course accept it.”
