The system was completely overhauled for this year. Currently, large conditional points are awarded on Saturday evening, which drivers can keep if they finish the rally on Sunday. These conditional points are distributed to the top 10 in the overall standings with a scale of 18-15-13-10-8-6-4-3-2-1.
On Sunday, more points are up for grabs. Based on the results of “Super Sunday,” points are awarded to the seven fastest drivers (7-6-5-4-3-2-1). Additionally, the Power Stage continues to provide points in the traditional format, with the top five drivers scoring (5-4-3-2-1).
While the maximum points for the weekend remain capped at 30, the new system includes some quirks. No points are awarded based on the final overall results of the event, and the system allows for the possibility that the rally winner may not secure the highest points total for the weekend.
This situation occurred for the first time at Rally Sweden, where second-place finisher Elfyn Evans scored five points more than the winner, Esapekka Lappi.
Unsurprisingly, the system has faced heavy criticism. Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala told RallyJournal.com after Rally Finland that the points system will be revised for next year.
Now, Pernilla Solberg, WRC Commission president, has confirmed that multiple options are being considered.
“We have currently four proposals, different systems that we are checking to see how each system if it was in place today would look,” Solberg explained to Motorsport.com.
“We now want to make sure everyone agrees and understands and then that will be voted on later this year,” Solberg added.
The next round of the WRC season will take place in two weeks at Rally Chile.
