Anti-Alcohol testing was temporarily halted during the Covid pandemic, and it has now restarted with an updated system and specially trained Breath Alcohol Technicians (BAT).

The presence of alcohol in a driver or official’s body during an International Competition is prohibited.

For competitors, a first test can be administered by a BAT  anywhere between three hours before a driving activity and up to 30 minutes after the end of the driving activity. In the event of a positive result, a second “confirmation” test is always administered in an on site control station area, using an alternative measuring device. This rigorous process is designed to ensure integrity of the results. Should both tests provide a positive result the matter is immediately referred to the Stewards of the meeting.

The same process will be used for Officials, who can be tested at any time when they are on duty.

The consequences for failing the Anti-Alcohol test are severe, as the FIA strictly implements the zero-tolerance principle.

In addition to the automatic disqualification of the driver from all the competitions of the event, the Stewards of the International Competition have several sanctions that they can apply (depending on the measurement of alcohol in a volume of breath, expressed in milligrams per litre, and the number of breaches). These sanctions include a fine and a suspension of between one month and four years.

An official failing the Anti-Alcohol test will see their automatic and immediate removal from their duties in all the Competitions of the Event. They can also expect a suspension of between one month and four years.

Any refusal of a driver or official to submit themselves for Testing, when requested to do so, shall be considered a breach of the Regulations and the BAT will immediately refer the matter to the Stewards.

The FIA conducted Anti-Alcohol tests at Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2022 FIA World Rallycross Championship at the Benelux World RX of Spa-Francorchamps.

A total of 42 people (drivers and officials combined) were tested and there were no positive results – with everyone recording a 0.00mg/L test result.