New Acropolis service rules

The new measures will permit 10-minute service halts outside the regular service park schedule, but only two mechanics will be allowed to work on a car. And they'll only be allowed to fit spare parts that have been carried in the rally car itself, as opposed to fresh from the service truck.

The 20-minute service halts for full service will take place less often than usual, after cars have covered a distance of at least 103kms on the first day, 87kms on the second and 98kms on the third.

"It's going to change tactics quite dramatically," said Subaru technical boss David Lapworth. "We're going to need more time to adapt. If this is the direction we're going in, we'll need to think about it."

Other rallies are looking at introducing a similar system, notably Finland. However, events such as Argentina have expressed a keenness to maintain traditional service halts in the designated service park at the start and finish of each leg with the extra, 10-minute service halts taking place in remote areas, thereby opening up the route.