### “Cultural Clash on the Fast Lane: Asian Le Mans Drivers Penalized for Public Relief Incident in Abu Dhabi

February 23, 2022, 2:25 PM

Relieving Themselves at a Red Light: €20,000 Fine for Three Drivers

Three drivers in the Asian Le Mans Series were caught urinating against a guardrail in Abu Dhabi after a race was halted. While such behavior might be acceptable in Europe, it led to hefty fines here.

(Motorsport-Total.com) – The Asian Le Mans Series conducted a rapid season in the United Arab Emirates, similar to 2021. The final invitations for the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans were issued after two four-hour races each in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Different countries, different customs: The Asian Le Mans Series ended up costing more than expected for three drivers.

The main headlines were not about the race result but rather an incident during a race interruption. When the first of two races in Abu Dhabi was paused due to a car catching fire (which went on to win its class just a day later!), some drivers took advantage of the break to relieve themselves behind a track marshal.

What is commonplace in Europe (for instance, during the two-hour delayed start at the 24h Nürburgring in 2007, numerous drivers relieved themselves on a guardrail to the enthusiastic cheers of the spectators) is considered a disruption of public order in the United Arab Emirates. Consequently, the marshals reported what they observed.

Race officials made an example of three drivers: Neale Muston (ARC Bratislava), Robert Renauer (Herbeth Motorsport), and David Fumanelli (Kessel Racing) were each fined 20,000 euros. However, half of the amount, 10,000 euros, was suspended on the condition that the drivers submit a written apology to the Emirates Motorsports Organization.

According to the statement, certain actions are accepted to varying degrees in different cultures. The sports commissioners have concluded that such an act is considered extremely disrespectful and constitutes a criminal offense in the United Arab Emirates.

Penalties for public urination in the UAE are severe: A first offense incurs a fine of 500 dirhams (120 euros), and for a second offense, the fine is doubled.

The investigators cite Article 11.9.3.l, which penalizes “misconduct,” and Article 12.2.1.k, which defines offenses against officials as rule violations. In this specific instance, the officials in question were marshals, and one of them was a woman.

The 2022 Asian Le Mans Series took place over just two weekends. Nielsen Racing, a newcomer in the LMP2 category, clinched the overall victory with their Ligier JS P320, earning an invitation to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Oreca was the sole entry in the LMP2 Pro class.

In an exciting conclusion, CD Sport triumphed over the Wochenspiegel/Rinaldi team in the LMP3 category, despite the latter racing with an ill driver in the final event. Optimum Motorsport secured the GT3 title with their McLaren 720S GT3, narrowly beating Herberth Motorsport, who had won both races in Abu Dhabi.