Yazeed Al-Rajhi has received a suspended €10,000 fine because the label on his Hilux’s fuel cell was found to be damaged during scrutineering for the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal. As a suspended fine, he does not have to pay it unless he commits the violation again.

Article 14.1.1 in Appendix J of the FIA’s International Sporting Code stipulates the fuel bladder must have a marking that lists the tank’s manufacturer, FIA homologation number and standard, serial number, and expiration date.

In Al-Rajhi’s case, his fuel cell falls under FIA Standard FT3-1999. That standard’s Appendix II states, “The markings shall be designed to remain legible for the expected use and lifespan of the fuel bladder. The label shall be made out of destruct-on-removal material.”

Christophe Vely, the FIA technical delegate for the race, pointed out that the fuel tank itself was not damaged. The tank also fully complies with regulations since its expiration date is in October 2030 (fuel cells can only be used up to five years after their production). He eventually concluded that the label was like that due to a manufacturing defect.

“The Stewards decide that in any case it is the responsibility of the Competitor to ensure that the car meets all technical and safety requirements, including mandatory marking of the fuel tanks,” explains the stewards’ report. “The Stewards finally conclude that there is a breach of the regulations and that a fine is sufficient for the reasons set out here.

“The Stewards decision to suspend the fine is due to the fact that the Competitor is not directly to blame for the damage of the marking and it was confirmed by the FIA Technical Delegate that this kind of defect is due to a manufacturing defect.”

Al-Rajhi is looking to get back into a rhythm in Portugal after retiring four stages into the Dakar Rally because he felt he wasn’t at full health, stemming from his broken vertebra last year.

Featured image credit: Frédéric Le Floc’h / DPPI / ASO