The Dakar 2022 already has a penalized competitor, even before the start of the Prologue Leg. And the causes are particularly curious.
The days leading up to this rally raid are usually one of verification, shakedown, and even concern that everything that has been done in the past 11 months is ready.
But Christian Lavieille, who is on his 19th start in the toughest event in the world with an Optimus MD, was also the first to receive a punishment when the 44th edition hasn’t officially started yet.
During the technical and administrative checks on Thursday 30 December, the FIA commissioners found that both the French veteran and his co-driver, Johnny Aubert (former enduro world champion, seriously injured at the Dakar 2020 and 6th in 2018 between motorcycles), presented fireproof clothing that did not comply with the new safety standard of the Federation.
# 326 MD Rallye Sport Optimus: Christian Lavieille, Jean-Pierre Garcin
Photo by: Motul
As indicated in article 48.1 of the Sporting Regulations of the 2022 FIA Rally Raid World Championship, “the drivers of the vehicles must wear overalls and gloves (optional for the co-drivers), long underwear, a balaclava, socks and shoes approved according to the standard FIA 8856-2000 (Technical List No. 27) or the FIA 8856-2018 standard (Technical List No. 74) “.
The communication issued by the commissioners of the Dakar on Thursday afternoon states that Lavieille “explained that he had received information from ASO (organizer) about the suit according to the new FIA standard, but not specific about the rest of the clothing”.
He was then given a fine of € 1,000, suspended on the condition that during the 2022 season of the FIA World Rally Raid Championship he does not commit the same infringement again.
The commissioners did not consider the incident as “serious”, as the characteristics of the fireproof clothing of Lavieille and his co-driver “offer acceptably reasonable protection” and conform to the standard for non-priority FIA drivers (even if Laiveille is in this list).
As the final rulebook had not been published until mid-December, the judges considered that “it would probably be difficult for them to get the necessary equipment, especially during the Christmas holidays”.
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