The FIA has ratified a new points system designed to add extra spice to rallies this season, with points awarded on Saturday and Sunday during an event.
Under the new system, a sliding scale of 18-15-13-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 points will be awarded at the end of Saturday, but only if a crew reaches Sunday’s final classification. If a crew fails to finish on Sunday, the Saturday points will be awarded to the next best-placed pairing.
Competitors will also do battle for a maximum of seven points on Sunday. Points will be awarded to the top seven competitors via the following sliding scale; 7-6-5-4-3-2-1. The prime reason for its introduction is to prevent drivers from cruising through Sunday's stages preserving tyres for the end-of-rally Power Stage, which remains unchanged with the top five fastest drivers receiving bonus points, five the maximum.
If a driver completes a perfect rally they will continue to score 30 points as per the previous regulations, but there is now a scenario where the eventual outright winner of the rally could suffer a problem on Sunday and therefore leave the event with fewer points than their rivals.
Hyundai driver Neuville believes the new points structure will present a new challenge and has resolved the issue of drivers cruising through Sunday stages. But the Belgian also feels the system could benefit part-time drivers with an advantageous road order at the start of events.
“It is going to add more excitement and a bit of strategy as well,” Neuville told Autosport.
“But for sure the drivers that are going to start with a good road position are going to be securing already a big amount of points on the Saturday night, so for those with a bad starting position you need minimum Saturday and Sunday to catch back some time, and this will not be possible anymore.
Source: Autosport