A revamped points system was introduced to the World Rally Championship for this season. Points are awarded three times over the weekend: provisional points for the top ten in the competition standings on Saturday evening, daily points from the total time of the stages on Sunday, and additional points from the Power Stage.
The new points system allows for a scenario where the overall winner of the rally doesn’t necessarily earn the most points over the weekend. This scenario unfolded at the second round in Sweden.
Esapekka Lappi bagged the full 18 points on Saturday evening. He finished seventh in Sunday’s total time, adding one more point to his tally. Therefore, he amassed a total of 19 points.
With a substantial lead on Saturday evening, Lappi didn’t need to push to the limit on Sunday but rather secured his first place. In contrast, those behind him fought hard for points on the final day.
Elfyn Evans, who finished second in the competition, collected 11 points on Sunday, which enabled him to secure the weekend’s largest haul: 24 points. Toyota driver Evans was first in Sunday’s total times and second in the Power Stage, just behind his teammate Kalle Rovanperä.
In Sweden, two drivers reached 18 points: Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux. The French driver Fourmaux finished third in the competition, and Neuville fourth.
Rovanperä, who had to retire on Friday, took home 11 points from Umeå. Rovanperä had the chance for a full 12-point haul on Sunday, but he eased off slightly on the morning’s second stage, allowing championship contender Evans to top the day’s overall standings.
Neuville leads the championship by a three-point margin over Evans after two rounds. In the manufacturers’ championship, Toyota and Hyundai are tied.
The next round of the World Rally Championship season will take place in Kenya at the end of March.
Check out the complete World Rally Championship standings here!
