WRC to introduce ranking system

This system will include input from drivers and events across the world, including national and domestic series, to provide a constant and up-to-date rating of which driver is most in form at that moment.

WRC promoter Simon Long said: "This is a great initiative by the FIA which will allow followers of WRC and the sport of rallying to compare and contrast the fortunes of their favourite drivers throughout the year.

"There is little doubt that the introduction of ranking systems in other major global sports such as golf and tennis had helped raise interest levels locally and internationally. The introduction of a WRC ranking system is bound to help keep the sport, its heroes and rivalries firmly in the eye of the public and media."

The FIA is currently trialling the system to iron out any bugs ahead of the January 2010 launch date.