This year, the points structure for the top WRC category was overhauled. Currently, there are three sets of points available during a rally weekend: conditional points based on Saturday evening’s results, daily points from Sunday, and points from the Power Stage.
The changes were introduced to increase competition on Sundays, and while that has been achieved, the system has several flaws that have not satisfied competitors and teams. Some also argue that the system is too complicated for the audience.
The biggest issue with the current format is that no points are awarded for the overall rally victory. Moreover, it’s possible for the rally winner to end up with fewer points than someone who finished behind them.
This exact scenario occurred last weekend when Central European Rally winner Ott Tänak earned two points fewer than Elfyn Evans, who finished second.
The FIA has been evaluating ways to make the system clearer. A new proposal is now on the table, awaiting approval from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.
“Every two weeks we have a sporting working groups and different options are on the table coming from the driver’s representative Scott (Martin) and from the manufacturers and from the WRC Promoter. Finally we think we have an option to be presented to the next commission that more or less all agree with,” said Marina Dunach, FIA WRC category manager Marina Dunach, as reported by Autosport.
“It will go to a vote at the World Motor Sport Council and maybe we will have a new points system for next year.”
According to Dunach, various options have been carefully considered and simulated.
“After looking at the different options presented we have been testing with Excel files what would happen using the different options and thinking what is the best for the championship. We all feel more or less that this is more fair, maybe.”
Reportedly, the new rule proposal would give greater recognition to the rally winner, ensuring that the first-place finisher secures the biggest points haul.