Before the start of the Monte-Carlo Rally, the season opener of the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC), Sebastien Ogier clearly criticized the WRC’s new points scheme, which was introduced this season. “These new rules don’t make any sense. I don’t understand it,” says Ogier. “I hope I’m wrong, but so far I only see the disadvantages of changing the system.”
In the future, points will be awarded three times at all WRC races. The top 10 after Saturday will receive points according to the pattern 18-15-13-10-8-6-4-3-2-1, but only if they also reach the finish line of the last special stage on Sunday. Otherwise, the participants placed behind will move up.
On Sunday there will be a separate scoring in which the top seven receive points according to the pattern 7-6-5-4-3-2-1. As usual, the top five on the Power Stage receive points according to the pattern 5-4-3-2-1. The aim of this regulation is to make Sundays more attractive for sport. The separate ranking is intended to prevent drivers who no longer have a direct opponent in the overall ranking from conserving the material for the power stage.
When asked whether this goal can be achieved with the new points rule, Ogier answers: “It can be, but it is still wrong. You completely devalue the victory.” The eight-time world champion also believes the new system is far too complex, especially for spectators.
“Nobody will really understand this”
“Nobody in the general public will really understand this unless you’re a nerd and really interested in rallying. Otherwise they’ll say: ‘What, the guy did P1 but didn’t get the maximum points, how is that possible?’ And that will happen at some point.”
The new regulations also do not prevent slow, tactical driving – 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 at the limit and save tires and car all weekend, just to push on Sunday in the 50 kilometers and have twelve points, while the one who who worked his ass off all weekend, might only have 18 points on Saturday evening,” says Ogier, outlining a possible scenario. “That doesn’t make sense at all.”
But how could you do it better? “I once suggested perhaps only awarding one point per stage win, why not?” suggests Ogier. “That would put everyone under pressure, there would always be a point to be had, but not like this.”