Rally Turkey tries to prevent tactics

There had been an expectation that the stewards of the Istanbul-based event would make it illegal to check in to a control early in an attempt to close off one of the tactical options available to WRC teams keen to alter their drivers' road positions. Instead, bulletin number four from the stewards of the meeting, issued at 1230 local time, draws attention to the current regulations.

The bulletin states: "The attention of all competitors is drawn to the provisions of Art. 151(c) of the ISC (International Sporting Code), Breach of Rules: 'any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally'. Please be advised that the stewards at their sole discretion will investigate any activity during the competition that they consider falls into this category. The stewards have supreme and sole authority to decide what penalty to enforce."

Instead of altering any regulations, the stewards are now thought ready to act on a decision to check in or out of controls at any time other than that allotted to the competitor.

This latest bulletin now raises questions over whether the stewards will act on drivers slowing down in the stages to improve their position on the road for the following day.