A taste of the new format will be available at the beginning of summer at Rally Sardinia. For the first time, the gravel competition will utilize a more compact schedule.
Read more: Rally organisers release route – revealing major change in the WRC
Currently, WRC weekends typically start on Thursday morning with a shakedown and the opening spectator stage in the evening.
In the tighter version, the shakedown is scheduled for Friday morning, with the actual special stages starting on Friday afternoon. In other words, one day is cut from the rally weekend.
Rovanperä was asked about the reform during Rally Sweden. The issue was a total surprise to the world champion.
“I don’t know what has come out,” Rovanperä stated.
Eventually, Rovanperä was able to comment on the topic once it was explained how the rally weekends are intended to be condensed.
“Sounds pretty good. Let’s see how it works in Sardinia. It sounds quite sensible,” Rovanperä said.
Hyundai driver Esapekka Lappi shared similar thoughts.
“It’s fun that they’re trying something different,” Lappi reported.
As it stands, neither Rovanperä nor Lappi will be testing the more compact event in Sardinia. Both Finns are only driving a part of the events this year, and it’s likely that both will skip Rally Sardinia.
The next round of the WRC season will be held in Kenya at the end of March.
