Despite the reticence of the majority of the manufacturers involved in the WRC, the calendar has been extended to 14 rounds for 2016 following an FIA World Council meeting today (Wednesday). The events are likely to be the same as this year, plus China if it meets the necessary standards.
The exact dates have yet to be confirmed, but it is believed that the 2016 Rally China will take place in September, with the season ending in November in Australia and Wales Rally GB brought forward to October.
The Rallye Monte-Carlo, the date of which has already been announced, and France’s round need to finalise their agreements with the championship’s promoter before November 30, 2015.
In alphabetical order, the events planned for the 2016 WRC are: Argentina, Australia, China, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, Monte-Carlo, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
Another measure accepted by the World Council concerns start orders. Priority 1 drivers who re-start under the Rally 2 ruling will no longer run at the front of the field, but behind the other P1 drivers. As a result, the championship leader will be faced with road sweeping duty for the entire first two days!
At least 51 percent of a WRC event will need to have been completed for full points to be awarded. Otherwise, only half will be awarded.
The air restrictor of 1.6-litre turbocharged S2000 cars will be reduced in order to make R5 cars the fastest machines in the WRC2 class. The Production World Cup will be dropped after this season.
The performance of turbocharged R2 cars will be decreased in order for them to slot between that of R1 and R3 cars.
The World Council has also announced the development of an action plan to promote safety on rallies of all levels, based on WRC practices.
It also approved the homologation of new four-wheel drive cars based on kits covering a high number of road cars. These cars will be accepted in regional and national championships and their performance will fit between that of R3 and R5 cars.