WRC latest on seeding for gravel rallies, bonus points, calendar 2009 and 10 plus S2000 without added on kit?

According to autosport.com, in an interview with WRCC president Morrie Chandler, the running order on WRC gravel rallies will most likely be discussed at the next rallies commission meeting in October. Citroen have officially complained about the current system, which was imposed this year, and Chandler stated he understood where they are coming from.

Chandler said to autosport.com about reverse seeding:

There certainly are a lot of people who want it changed. I think reversing the top 15 cars was too many. I think you could justify reversing the top five or six.

Bonus points are likely to be on offer at the end of each day on a World Rally Championship from as early as next year, according to WRC boss Morrie Chandler to autosport.com. There has been much crticism of the current SupeRally regulation which allow a crew to return to the rally after retiring.

For the drivers to have something to chase and push for each day, Chandler stated a proposal to offer 3-2-1 points for the top crews at the end of each day was under serious consideration for next season.

Chadler said to autosport.com his thoughts on bonus points:

There seems to be a gathering enthusiasm on that from the manufacturers. You don't want to make it too imposing on the winner of the event. It would certainly be worth attempting.

Also, Autosport magazine revealed, from an insider, that at a series of recent meetings in Paris it was not possible to reach agreement on the details of the technical specification for the new WRCar (Super 2000+) As things stand at present it will be December 2008 before the detail is announced.

Sources indicated to Autosport that they feared that if by November's World Council meeting that agreement could not be reached then the FIA could impose the current S2000 rules, thereby dismissing S2000+.

Autosport also points to Lapworth as one (if not the only one) that expresses a wish to ensure the new format maintains certain levels of technology.

In an article by rallye-magazine.de it has been revealed that Ford and Citroen are pushing to have thirteen events in the WRC calendar of 2009 as opposed to twelve as it stands at the moment. The two teams feel the problem isn't the amount of events in the calendar but more to do with events having suitable car markets. Citroen are wanting Corsica in next year as France will have no representation in the WRC next year with Monte Carlo out as well due to rotation. Ford's sports chief Mark Deans want Rally GB included for 2010 on commercial grounds as there will be no Rally Ireland that year either. FIA sources are said to be willing to listen to the proposals.

The WMSC will be discussing the WRC calendar on November 5th and looking closely at the winter calendar proposals for 2010/11. Also, the global promoter for the series is meant to be decided upon at this WMSC meeting, with ISC being mentioned as favourites but no one knows if a decision will be reached.

Image: wrc.com

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