Oliver Solberg has been fined €1,000 by the Stewards at Rally Chile after removing his gloves before reaching the stop control at the end of Saturday’s Stage 9, Maria las Cruces 1.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026. According to the Stewards’ decision, Solberg removed his gloves after crossing the finish line of the special stage but before reaching the stop control, where the crew’s safety equipment requirements remain in force.
The Stewards were presented with video evidence of the incident and summoned Solberg, his co-driver and the competitor’s representative to explain the circumstances. The crew did not contest the facts, with the competitor’s representative confirming that there were no further representations to make beyond acknowledging that the incident was a mistake by the driver.
Article 53.1 states that, while a car is in motion on a special stage and until it reaches the stop control, the crew must wear all required safety clothing and equipment in accordance with Appendix L Chapter III of the FIA International Sporting Code.
Although Solberg had already completed the competitive section of the stage when he removed his gloves, the regulations remain applicable until the stop control. The Stewards therefore considered the breach clear and imposed a €1,000 fine.
The decision also noted an important aggravating factor: this was Solberg’s second breach of the same regulation during the event. As a result, the Stewards considered the €1,000 fine to be the appropriate penalty.
Under Article 12.8 of the 2026 FIA International Sporting Code, the fine must be paid within 48 hours of notification. Failure to pay within the required period may result in a suspension for as long as the fine remains unpaid.
The penalty does not alter Solberg’s competitive result from the stage, but serves as a reminder that the crew’s mandatory safety equipment requirements remain in force from the start of a special stage until the official stop control, even after the finish line has been crossed.
Read below the stawards' decision:
Photo Credits: Toyota
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