This season introduced a new points system to the championship, which seemed doomed from the start.
This year, points are awarded three times during each event. The first provisional points are distributed at the end of Saturday evening. However, to secure these points, the crew must make it to the finish on Sunday. After that, points are awarded to the fastest on Sunday, and additionally, in the old way, to the five fastest from the Power Stage.
This confusing system has already led to baffling situations several times this season. For instance, in the season’s second rally in Sweden, Esapekka Lappi, despite winning the rally, did not receive the largest points haul.
Over the weekend at the Croatia Rally, the event’s winner Sebastien Ogier did receive the largest points haul, but only narrowly. Ogier earned 21 WRC points, but the rest of the top drivers were also awarded nearly the same points haul. Hyundai’s Ott Tänak, who finished fourth overall, received just one point less than Ogier, while Elfyn Evans and Thierry Neuville, who finished second and third respectively, each took home 19 WRC points.
The new points system of the World Rally Championship could be termed “social-democratic”. Everyone gets a little bit, but no one gets rich off points.
“That’s actually quite well put,” Toyota’s team principal Jari-Matti Latvala chuckled to RallyJournal.com.
“The main thing is that winning no longer matters. In terms of points, it doesn’t make a big difference whether you win or not. It’s enough to just drive consistently on Saturday and Sunday. It’s really hard to make a difference,” Latvala continued.
Latvala reminded us that the new system has also made another significant change.
“When you retire from the whole rally such that two cars drop out, it’s a complete disaster. Because it’s so hard to make a difference,” Latvala observed.
Latvala stated outright that the points system needs to be changed.
“Something needs to be done. Winning must have value. It should be such that if you win a rally, you make a difference in points compared to others. Right now, it isn’t the case, and podium places don’t have the significance they should. Fourth place is now a very good position, and it brings a lot of points. Being on the podium should have more significance,” Latvala demanded.
