The WRC is at the moment evaluating its occasion format construction for the long run having confronted criticism from drivers, groups and followers this yr.
This has resulted in a bundle of format tweaks for subsequent yr that’s set to be proposed and mentioned on the subsequent FIA World Motor Sport Council on December 6, following a dialogue on the final assembly in October.
On the Acropolis Rally this yr the WRC Promoter acknowledged it was open to transferring away from a central service park mannequin which has served the championship for greater than 20 years. This idea sees crews deal with levels after which return to the service park for noon service at most occasions, earlier than then returning on the finish of the day.
It was additionally steered that a rise in tyre becoming zones which are much less regulated might be a approach to improve the competitors and maximise the stage kilometres accomplished at occasions. Underneath present FIA laws, time becoming zones final quarter-hour. Throughout this time, the crew and two members of the staff can work on the automobile however solely with gear and elements which have been carried within the rally automobile via the levels.
A staff service automobile can transport further tyres to this zone together with any objects which are deemed of a security nature, for instance, a windscreen or seatbelts ought to these have to be changed.
The FIA has confirmed to Autosport that the central service park mannequin will stay in place however has hinted that extra tyre becoming zones might be launched subsequent yr as a part of a wider bundle of format tweaks.
“No. That’s all about organisers planning years prematurely,” mentioned FIA street sport director Andrew Wheatley to Autosport when requested if adjustments to desert the central service park have been proposed for subsequent yr.
Photograph by: Toyota Racing
Service park, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
“I feel what we will see for instance on the Central European Rally on Friday with the distant tyre zones. I feel distant tyre zones are going to be an even bigger a part of the combo as a result of to have the ability to get the mileage we wish to obtain throughout the time that’s accessible within the weekend, we’ll want them extra.”
Autosport additionally understands {that a} transfer to scale back the minimal occasion stage mileage to 250km to extend schedule flexibility at rallies is included within the bundle, alongside tweaks to enhance Sunday’s format, and the opportunity of introducing a brand new factors construction.
Wheatley says the main target of the proposed format tweaks are geared to maximise WRC occasions for all stakeholders.
“What got here from the World Motor Sport Council is that the DNA of rally may be very treasured and particular, and we have to be sure that no matter is finished to attempt to take that ahead respects the spirit of the occasion,” Wheatley added.
“So, there are a few points that we’re engaged on going ahead the primary is how can we optimise the rally format. How can we make the absolute best expertise for every kind of stakeholders.
“It’s about attempting to make a easy path that permits all people to get a bit extra with out compromising the idea of the occasion. Now we have to strive to make sure we focus the power of the occasion on essentially the most helpful actions. That doesn’t imply there shall be a inflexible format.
“It will likely be minimal three-day occasion. The precept is Thursday night time to Sunday lunchtime however how will fill that point could also be completely different relying on what the particular occasions are.
“The chance that we’ve got to know is each organiser has very particular challenges, however all of the rallies shall be in the identical window, however it’s a query of how we will compress the format to ensure we get the perfect worth from that point.”