WRC approves running order rule revamp

WRC champion Sebastien Ogier had campaigned for change all season, having run at the front of the field for the first two days of every rally under rules that hampered the points leader.

Wednesday's Vienna meeting confirmed the championship leader will only be at the front on day one, with Saturday and Sunday running the priority crews in reverse order, which means the slowest World Rally Car first.

The WMSC also rubber-stamped the creation of the WRC Trophy for drivers of World Rally Cars from 2016 or earlier.

Private crews will register for their favoured seven rallies from the 13-round calendar with six scores to count.

Michelin and DMACK are the only registered tyre suppliers for next season and M-Sport has been awarded the contract to supply R2 cars to the FIA Junior World Rally Championship.

Prior to Citroen's DS3 R3 being used, the Cumbrian firm's Fiestas were used when the series was known as WRC Academy.

The 13-round calendar was also confirmed with Poland included.

Turkey and China had been on a reserve list, but neither made the final schedule.

January 20-22: Monte Carlo

February 10-12: Sweden

March 10-12: Mexico

April 7-9: Corsica

April 28-30: Argentina

May 19-21: Portugal

June 9-11: Italy

June 30-July 2: Poland

July 28-30: Finland

August 18-20: Germany

October 6-8: Spain

October 27-29: GB

November 17-19: Australia