Oliver Solberg, the 2022 WRC2 runner-up, was penalized for performing a drift at the Fairmont Hairpin during the Monte Carlo Rally's parc ferme. The five-minute penalty, although inconsequential to his overall standings, highlights the importance of adhering to regulations during public events.
Oliver Solberg received a five-minute penalty for 'exhibition driving' at the Monaco Grand Prix circuit's Fairmont Hairpin during his journey to parc ferme at the Monte Carlo Rally . The 2022 WRC 2 title runner-up was caught drifting around the famous turn, which is part of one of the rally's road sections. The incident occurred after the conclusion of the final podium ceremony for the 2025 World Rally Championship opener.
Stewards opted to impose a substantial five-minute penalty despite its minimal impact on Solberg's overall standings, as he had decided not to compete for WRC2 championship points this weekend. The 23-year-old Swedish driver secured sixth place in the Rally2 class and 13th overall in his competitive debut driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 car. 'The Stewards reviewed video evidence. The incident happened on the road section on the way from the final podium in the Principality of Monaco, in the corner 'Fairmont,'” stated the stewards' report. “The driver admitted that he was driving sideways in front of spectators. The driver apologized for his lapse, adding that in his opinion he did not create an unsafe situation. Oliver Solberg, Toksport WRT Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images “The Stewards examined the case in detail and concluded that a potential unsafe situation was created as a turn was approached in a “drifting” mode by the driver of car No. 20, and many people were standing up at that turn. “Art. 12.18 of the Supplementary Regulations of the 93e Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo stipulates that exhibition driving is strictly forbidden everywhere due to a lack of suitable places. “Therefore, the Stewards decided that the driver of car No. 20 did not respect the relevant regulations and applied the aforementioned time penalty.”This is not Solberg's first encounter with penalties for exhibition driving. He previously received a one-minute penalty for performing donuts at the end of a Rally Portugal super special stage, which cost him the WRC2 victory. In 2022, Sebastien Ogier was reprimanded and fined €1,500 for exhibition driving before the Rally Spain podium
MOTORSPORT WRC MONTE CARLO RALLY OLIVER SOLBERG EXHIBITION DRIVING PENALTY
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WRC Monte Carlo: Ogier claims record-extending 10th Monte winThe eight-time world champion delivered a stunning drive to win the WRC opener
Read more »
Monte Carlo Rally Heads for Thrilling Finale as Fourmaux Gambles for VictoryThe Monte Carlo Rally is set for a dramatic final stage showdown as Adrien Fourmaux, running on slick tires, seeks his maiden WRC victory. Changeable weather conditions have shaken up the leaderboard, with the top three separated by only 22.2 seconds. Toyota's Sebastien Ogier continues to lead, but he faces a strong challenge from his teammate Elfyn Evans and the determined Fourmaux. Multiple retirements, including those of Takamoto Katsuta, Sami Pajari, and Gregoire Munster, have added further intrigue to the race.
Read more »
Ogier hopeful historic 10th win is not his last Monte Carlo RallyThe WRC legend is the most successful driver in the event’s storied history
Read more »
Evans Leads Dramatic Monte Carlo Rally After Neuville and Tanak CrashesElfyn Evans takes the lead at the Monte Carlo Rally after a Friday morning filled with dramatic incidents for Hyundai drivers. Tanak and Neuville both suffered setbacks, catapulting Fourmaux into third place and setting up an exciting battle for the lead.
Read more »
Seventy Crews Set for 2025 WRC Season Opener in Monte CarloSeventy crews will compete in the 2025 World Rally Championship season opener in Monte Carlo, with 10 entries representing the top Rally1 class. The event, taking place from January 23-26, features a star-studded lineup including new world champion Thierry Neuville, reigning manufacturers' champions Toyota, and M-Sport-Ford. This season sees the Rally1 cars run without hybrid power and Hankook as the new control tyre supplier.
Read more »
Ott Tänak Leads the Way in Monte Carlo ShakedownHyundai's Ott Tänak sets the pace in the shakedown stage of the 2025 World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo, driving the new non-hybrid Rally1 car.
Read more »