Sainz attacks starting system

The Spaniard "absolutely disagrees" with the system which dictates that the field runs in championship order over the opening legs of events. To be first on the road on many rallies is a disadvantage because those at the front struggle for grip and 'sweep' the stages clear to the benefit of cars running lower down the order.

Last weekend, Monte Carlo Rally winner Tommi Makinen started the Swedish event first on the road and was delayed because the snow-covered stages were untouched before he ran over them.

Sainz said: "Whoever is the leader of the championship is penalised. This is only happening in this sport just because maybe somebody wants the championship to be close at the end of the year.

"I don't think it is fair to the leader of the championship. It is not a good system at all. It should be possible to find a better system which is more fair to everybody. Look at Tommi here [in Sweden] - starting first on the road, you know you are not going to win this rally and I think that is very hard to accept."

Sainz suggested that running privateer cars in front of the factory entries would clean the stages and make events more equal for the championship contenders.

"There are lots of World Rally Cars in rallies now that are not manufacturer-backed," he said. "I am convinced that having eight, 10 or 12 of those in front of the first manufacturer car will make the field much more equal."