Thursday, 12 December 2024 22:26

WRC 2025 - Sharper focus on rally wins

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Refined points system builds on the success of thrilling battles in 2024.

The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) will debut a refined points system in 2025, aimed at enhancing the competition while ensuring rally winners are more likely to claim the biggest haul of points.

Confirmed, this Wednesday, 11 November, by the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Kigali, Rwanda, the 2025 system will see an evolution of this year's format which delivered one of the tightest title fights in recent history. Both the 2024 drivers' and manufacturers' champions were crowned on the final day of the season, with the latter decided by just three points - the closest margin since 1983.

From Rallye Monte-Carlo in January, the general classification points awarded at the end of each rally will follow a simplified scale: 25-17-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1, rewarding the top 10 finishers. Unlike 2024, no points will be allocated based on a driver's Saturday position.

Those who face early setbacks will still have a chance to score crucial points on Super Sunday, with the fastest five crews across the complete Sunday earning additional points (5-4-3-2-1).

Meanwhile, the iconic Wolf Power Stage remains unchanged, providing one last opportunity for the fastest teams to secure up to five bonus points (5-4-3-2-1) on the rally's final test.

These updates mean a maximum of 35 points will be available at each rally - an increase from 30 under the previous system – and place a greater emphasis on outright victory while retaining opportunities for comebacks and strategy.

"This updated system builds on the general success of the 2024 format, which delivered unforgettable moments and fierce title fights," explained Peter Thul, Senior Director of Sport at WRC Promoter. "We've made subtle but meaningful adjustments to further reward rally wins and ensure the competition remains as thrilling as ever. Fans can expect even closer battles and dramatic finales in 2025."

The 2025 FIA World Rally Championship calendar, unveiled in July, features a spectacular 14-round schedule and includes exciting new stops in Spain, Paraguay, and Saudi Arabia.

The World Rally Championship (WRC) is the FIA's premium rally series. It showcases high-performance hybrid-powered cars and the world's best drivers competing in dramatic surroundings, ranging from Sweden's freezing winter to Kenya's heat and rocky tracks. Participants battle for drivers' and manufacturers' titles at 14 rallies. More information can be found at www.wrc.com.