FIA slated for hitting 'unacceptable level' as F1 handed huge support

The FIA has found itself on the receiving end of a second statement over "driver misconduct" from a drivers' association of a motorsport it oversees.

Following in the footsteps of F1's GPDA, Rally's WoRDA (World Rally Drivers' Alliance) has spoken out against tough new rules introduced by the motorsport governing body.

Earlier this month, WRC's Adrien Fourmaux became the first competitor punished under the FIA's harsh and controversial stewards' penalty guidelines, which allow for severe fines - and even suspensions and championship points deductions - for swearing or speaking out against the FIA.

In its statement, WoRDA says its members were "inspired by their GPDA colleagues" after it took similar action towards the end of last year.

After outlining respect of referee's decisions as a core principle, the statement reads: "In recent months, however, there has been an alarming increase in the severity of the sanctions imposed for minor, isolated and unintentional language lapses. This has reached an unacceptable level."

It goes on to list some key beliefs of the drivers involved with WoRDA, before concluding with a call for "direct communication and engagement between the FIA President [Mohammed Ben Sulayem] and WoRDA members..."

See the full statement below as shared by eight-time WRC champion Sebastian Ogier.