Sainz 'disappointed' with Rally Oz organisers
Double world champion Carlos Sainz has slated the Rally Australia's decision to scrap its novel nominated seeding system for this year's event
The ball-bearing gravel in Australia places road position at a premium, with the first cars resigned to losing time as they sweep the loose stones clear of the harder surface beneath for their rivals. Last year, the leading crews were allowed to nominate their position on the road at the evening halt, but this weekend's event will revert to a normal set-up, with cars starting Friday morning's stages in championship position order.
That is likely to result in a game of 'cat and mouse' over the first two days, before concerted charges on Sunday's stages in the Bunnings complex.
Sainz said: "I'm really disappointed with the system, disappointed that the organisers and the FIA don't realise how stupid it is to play for a couple of days. Ask all of the drivers - we would like to go flat out for all three days instead."
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