Manufacturer teams told to commit or stay away
Manufacturers in the World Rally Championship will be forced to make a Formula 1-style commitment to the championship and contest every event on the calendar
According to this week's Motorsport News, this was the outcome of the first meeting of the WRC Commission last week. Any new marques joining the championship will be expected to contest every round in its first year, or it won't be eligible for points.
It also decided that the two highest-placed manufacturer drivers, as opposed to the current nominated driver system, would be eligible to score Manufacturers' Championship points - which should encourage teams to run three cars.
The FIA is keen to limit each manufacturer to three cars, although the third machine from each team is likely to be piloted by 'specialist' drivers - such as Peugeot's asphalt wizard Gilles Panizzi.
"There are advantages and disadvantages but it's a reasonable compromise," Subaru rally boss David Lapworth told MN. "I think it's fair to say nobody objected strongly."
Mitsubishi Ralliart chairman Andrew Cowan was less happy, however: "I don't think we'll ever be able to run three cars on a full time basis, at least in the near future."
Ford's Malcolm Wilson said: "We are quite happy. It's good that we are still talking about nominating two main drivers at the start of the season and then running a third car, which could give us a chance to run a younger driver."
The changes are likely to be approved by the FIA in time for next season's championship.
Previous article
Rally GB route released
Next article
Sainz confident of near-max fitness for Cyprus
Rally Belgium: Sunday Afternoon Highlights
Vodafone Rally de Portugal Friday afternoon recap
Croatia Rally SS5-SS8
WRC Croatia Rally 2021 Teaser
Does Neuville have a point with his Rally1 rant?
OPINION: Thierry Neuville's diatribe against the upcoming Rally1-spec machines that will usher in the World Rally Championship's new hybrid era was remarkable in an era where drivers are usually reticent to air their views in public. But are the Belgian's concerns about speed, safety and cost entirely valid?
How the WRC's new flying Finn reached new heights in the Greek mountains
After Kalle Rovanpera’s historic feat at Rally Estonia, the Finn scaled new heights at the Rally of the Gods with a commanding victory. And this time Toyota’s young star demonstrated why the future is bright with his devastating speed and consistency at the Acropolis Rally
The WRC drivers that came of age at the Acropolis Rally
Five drivers have won first time out at the Rally Acropolis, transcending the tough dirt and gravel Greek roads to cement a place in rallying folklore. Here are three of the first-time winners' tales
Understanding Suninen’s sudden WRC exit gamble
From being considered a likely contender to drive the next-generation M-Sport Ford Puma in 2022, Teemu Suninen's abrupt exit has created plenty of questions. The Finn's bid to become his country's next World Rally Championship winner won't be furthered by being sidelined, but there may be reason behind the decision
Could Spa’s cameo offer the WRC a new avenue to exploit?
OPINION: The Ypres Rally featured a cameo from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in its final stage, giving WRC teams the chance to experience its iconic corners in rallying machinery. It proved to be an engaging addition to the rally, and could perhaps serve as an example for other events to visit famous circuits
How Hyundai's home hero delivered overdue WRC success in Belgium
With limited recent fortune and pressure starting to mount, Hyundai needed a big result at the Ypres Rally. All the key components came together in Belgium to see home hero Thierry Neuville lead a manufacturer 1-2 and kickstart its World Rally Championship challenge
The new car that can resurrect Ford's WRC winning pedigree
M-Sport has become the first to unveil its new-for-2022 hybrid World Rally Championship challenger, the Puma Rally1. Ford has upped its support in a bid for glory, but can the new machine roll back the years and return the Blue Oval to the top of the WRC tree?
The rookie WRC driver aiming to continue Loeb and Ogier's legacies
French drivers have dominated the World Rally Championship across the past two decades; Sebastiens Loeb and Ogier have racked up the titles in commanding fashion. With Ogier calling it a day on full-time WRC competition from next year, France will pin its long-term hopes on rookie Adrien Fourmaux, who looks to have a bright future.
