New WRC points system will add excitement and strategy

The FIA has ratified a new points system designed to add extra spice to rallies this season, with points awarded on Saturday and Sunday during an event. 

Under the new system, a sliding scale of 18-15-13-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 points will be awarded at the end of Saturday, but only if a crew reaches Sunday’s final classification. If a crew fails to finish on Sunday, the Saturday points will be awarded to the next best-placed pairing.

Competitors will also do battle for a maximum of seven points on Sunday. Points will be awarded to the top seven competitors via the following sliding scale; 7-6-5-4-3-2-1. The prime reason for its introduction is to prevent drivers from cruising through Sunday’s stages preserving tyres for the end-of-rally Power Stage, which remains unchanged with the top five fastest drivers receiving bonus points, five the maximum.

If a driver completes a perfect rally they will continue to score 30 points as per the previous regulations, but there is now a scenario where the eventual outright winner of the rally could suffer a problem on Sunday and therefore leave the event with fewer points than their rivals.

Hyundai driver Neuville believes the new points structure will present a new challenge and has resolved the issue of drivers cruising through Sunday stages. But the Belgian also feels the system could benefit part-time drivers with an advantageous road order at the start of events.

“It is going to add more excitement and a bit of strategy as well,” Neuville told Motorsport.com.

“But for sure the drivers that are going to start with a good road position are going to be securing already a big amount of points on the Saturday night, so for those with a bad starting position you need minimum Saturday and Sunday to catch back some time, and this will not be possible anymore.

“Basically, you start first on Friday, and on Saturday if you have a bit better road position you will have to try and get back some time on one day only to secure more points, so it is going to be challenging.

“On Saturday you cannot just say I’m first with a 20-second gap and manage my Sunday it is no longer possible. The problem of the Sunday morning will be solved.

“At the end, the winner will be the one who is on the podium. I’m just not sure if you can be that happy about a win if you take home less…