Too complicated and possibly counterproductive: Sebastien Ogier does not like the new World Rally Championship points system at all
Ahead of the start of the Rally Monte-Carlo, the season opener of the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC), Sebastien Ogier has clearly criticized the new WRC points system that was introduced this season. “These new rules make no sense. I don’t understand it,” says Ogier. “I hope I’m wrong, but so far I can only see the disadvantages of changing the system. “
In future, points will be awarded three times in all WRC rounds. The top 10 after Saturday will receive points according to the 18-15-13-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 system, but only if they also reach the finish of the last special stage on Sunday. Otherwise, the participants placed behind them move up.
There will be a separate classification on Sunday, in which the top seven will receive points according to the 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 system. The top five in the Power Stage will receive points as usual according to the 5-4-3-2-1 system. The aim of this regulation is to make Sunday more attractive in sporting terms. The separate scoring is intended to prevent riders who no longer have a direct opponent in the overall standings from saving material for the Power Stage.
When asked whether this goal can be achieved with the new points rule, Ogier replies: “It can be, but it’s still wrong. It completely devalues the win.” The eight-time world champion also believes that the new system is far too complex, especially for spectators.
“Nobody will really understand it “
“Nobody in the general public will really understand it, unless you’re a nerd and really interested in rallying. Otherwise, they’ll say: ‘What, that guy did P1 but didn’t get maximum points, how is that possible?” And that will happen eventually.”
Slow, tactical driving is also not prevented by the new regulations – on the contrary. “You avoid the strategy on Sunday, but you can develop a much bigger strategy beforehand,” explains Ogier.
“Because if someone has a problem at the start of the rally, they don’t drive so hard on the limit and save tires and car all weekend, just to push on the 50 kilometers on Sunday and have twelve points, while the guy who has worked his ass off all weekend might only have 18 points on Saturday evening,” Ogier outlines a possible scenario. “That’s not logical at all.”
But how could it be done better? “I once suggested perhaps awarding just one point per stage win, why not?” suggests Ogier. “That would put everyone under pressure, there would always be a point up for grabs, but not like this. “
