A major controversy has rocked the Royal Rally of Scandinavia after Slovakian rally driver Robert Kolcak was thrown out of the event for what FIA stewards described as sexually inappropriate behaviour toward a female race official.
The shocking incident unfolded during the European Rally Championship event in Scandinavia, where Kolcak, representing Chooligan Racing, was subjected to a routine safety inspection after Stage 6. What should have been a standard post-stage procedure instead escalated into one of the most controversial moments of the rally season.
According to the official ruling issued by the stewards, the 37-year-old allegedly directed offensive remarks at a female scrutineer while she was carrying out mandatory equipment checks. Officials stated that Kolcak asked the woman whether she “wanted to see his genitals” before allegedly grabbing his genital area in front of event staff.
The behaviour immediately triggered an investigation, with the matter referred to FIA stewards on Saturday evening. Following a formal hearing involving the driver, his team representatives and witnesses, the panel concluded that Kolcak had violated Articles 12.2.1.f and 12.2.1.l of the FIA International Sporting Code. As a result, he was disqualified from the rally with immediate effect.
In the official report, stewards described the incident as deeply inappropriate and unacceptable within a professional motorsport environment. Two female scrutineers reportedly confirmed the details of the confrontation during the hearing, explaining that the comments and gestures occurred while they were conducting safety inspections on both the driver and co-driver equipment.
Kolcak later admitted to making the remarks and gestures during the hearing. However, he attempted to explain his conduct by claiming the adrenaline from the stage had influenced his reaction. He also argued that he had not realised the woman was an official of the event and suggested his frustration stemmed from the way the inspection was being carried out.
Despite his explanation, FIA officials took a firm stance on the matter. The stewards stressed that no official working at an international motorsport event should ever be subjected to harassment, intimidation, degrading comments or abusive conduct while performing their duties.
The ruling stated that the sexually explicit nature of the comments alone constituted serious misconduct, while the accompanying gesture significantly worsened the severity of the offence. Officials added that maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for marshals, scrutineers and event personnel remains a priority across all FIA-sanctioned competitions.
The disqualification sent shockwaves through the rally paddock and quickly became one of the most talked-about incidents of the European Rally Championship weekend. The Royal Rally of Scandinavia, normally known for its intense high-speed stages and spectacular scenery, instead found itself overshadowed by disciplinary controversy.
The FIA has increasingly adopted a tougher approach toward misconduct in recent years, particularly concerning abuse directed at officials and event staff. Kolcak’s removal from the event now serves as another high-profile example of motorsport authorities taking immediate action over behaviour deemed unacceptable both on and off the track.
