Burns backs new points system

Under the current system Gronholm, who has won two events this year, trails Burns by six points. If last year's scoring system applied, the Finn would enjoy a two-point lead over his team-mate in the championship.

"If I had a choice between the old scoring system and the new one that goes down to eighth place, I would take the old one every time because it rewards the winner," Gronholm told Motorsport News. "I can understand the small teams will like the new idea because it's easier for them to score points, but I think things should be geared towards victory."

Burns, however, disagrees. "It's not my fault that I'm leading the championship, what can I do about a change in the system?" he told Motorsport News. "Nothing has been changed for my benefit. It's just that I've benefited from the changes.

"The rallies that we've already done wouldn't be any different for me regardless of the points scoring system. I'm still driving the same and putting in the same effort and that's all that matters to me."

Burns, who has yet to win a rally during his time with Peugeot, said that winning events was still important. "It's still important to be looking to beat people like Marcus because there are only so many times you can finish second to them and still be leading the World Rally Championship."