In a remarkable show of solidarity, a significant number of WRC drivers, led by rising star Adrien Fourmaux, have reportedly spoken out in defense of rally legend Sébastien Loeb amid his ongoing feud with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This collective action comes despite the very real possibility that these drivers could face penalties from the FIA ahead of the highly anticipated Rally de Portugal.
The drivers’ vocal support for Loeb is a clear indication of the widespread unease and disapproval within the WRC community regarding the FIA’s treatment of the nine-time champion. Following the controversial stripping of Loeb’s FIA Legend title and his subsequent elimination from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, many believe the FIA president’s actions are unfair and politically motivated. Fourmaux, a young driver who openly admired Loeb throughout his career, has reportedly been particularly vocal in his defense, urging the FIA to reconsider its position.
Sources within the WRC paddock suggest that Fourmaux’s courageous stance has emboldened other drivers to express their support for Loeb, both publicly and privately. Despite the inherent risk of incurring Ben Sulayem’s displeasure and potentially facing sanctions such as fines or even adverse scrutiny at the upcoming Rally Portugal, these drivers feel compelled to stand alongside a figure of Loeb’s stature and voice their concerns about the direction of the FIA under its current leadership.
This unprecedented display of unity among drivers highlights the deep respect and admiration Sébastien Loeb commands in the rallying world. Their willingness to risk potential sanctions in order to defend him underscores the gravity of the situation and the growing discontent with the FIA’s recent decisions. The 2025 Rally de Portugal is now set to take place under a cloud of controversy, with the potential for further repercussions depending on the FIA’s response to this bold act of defiance by some of the sport’s leading competitors.
