01 Oct: WRC 2016 events confirmed

… At the latest FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris, the following decisions were taken:

FIA World Rally Championship

The WMSC approved the composition of the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship calendar, with 14 events (dates to be confirmed). They are, in alphabetical order:
– Argentina
– Australia
– China*
– Finland
– France**
– Germany
– Great Britain
– Italy
– Mexico
– Monte Carlo**
– Poland
– Portugal
– Spain
– Sweden
*Subject to fulfilments of the FIA following Candidate Event in August 2015.
**Subject to formalisation of agreed terms and conditions between WRC Promoter, FIA and the Event before 30 November, 2015.

In the interests of both safety and fairness, from 2016 P1 competitors running under Rally 2 regulations will re-start last in the P1 group.

From 2016, a minimum of 51% of a rally itinerary must have been completed for full points to be awarded. If not, only half points will be allocated.

The restrictor size of the S2000-Rally 1.6T car will be decreased from the start of the 2016 season, to clearly position R5 as the top car in the FIA WRC 2 Championship.

The FIA Production Car Cup will cease at the end of 2015.

To reduce engine running costs in Group R2, and to reposition performance relative to Groups R1 and R3, specific regulations for supercharged engines will be introduced to reduce R2 car performance.

FIA Rally Commission

The FIA announced the development of an action plan for Rally Safety at all levels – the action plan will include the creation of a task force of experts, communication to ASNs on the importance of adopting FIA Safety standards, a study into the feasibility of limiting ‘pirate’ events that are not sanctioned by ASNs, and the development and implementation of a communication plan for spectators.

The WMSC approved the introduction of a new 4WD car homologation consisting of a homologated kit to be applicable to a large number of road cars currently available on the market. The new homologation will be eligible in Regional and National Championships, and will sit between R3 and R5 in costs and performance.

In order to harmonise with the WRC, the FIA European Rally Championship will adopt the same time penalties for competitors not completing all stages. In addition, from 2016 priority drivers will have a restricted tyre quantity.

FIA Medical Commission

The FIA will commence deployment of its ‘Race True’ anti-doping educational programme in 2016 for drivers competing in FIA championships; Formula One, WRC, WEC, World RX, WTCC, Formula E and Formula 3.