Todt: No changes to start order rules

The issue of drivers slowing down to manipulate stage times to find the best place on the road for the next day has come under the microscope again on this week's Rally of Portugal.

While Todt pointed out that the drivers slowing down in stages does not contravene any regulations, he admitted he had been 'shocked' on the Jordan Rally when Citroen and Ford decided to alter the check-in times of their cars. After that rally, the stewards reiterated the regulations dealing with teams bringing the sport into disrepute.

"It's one problem which we have addressed immediately after Jordan," said Todt. "I was quite shocked to see some crews clock-in early and so we addressed this point.

"Considering the starting order, we don't have the intention to change. That's definitely the situation which creates some teams to decide some strategy, but again there is nothing in the rules that doesn't allow the teams to do so. It's the way it is. It's the interpretation of the teams and we can only accept it."

Todt's statement will come as a disappointment to many as there is a strong desire from sections of the WRC - the drivers in particular - to see change.