WRC - start order rule changed

Hello, Steemers!

While we're waiting for four time WRC world champion S. Ogier to choose a new team after VW withdrawal, FIA (government body) instructed teams that 'contraversial' start order rule has changed. They decided the running order for next year will leave the championship leader first on the road on only the opening day. The rest two days the cars will run in reverse classification order.

           VW - dominant force in WRC last four season

To remind you, this season Ogier, as a championship leader had to open and clean the gravel roads for the crews behind him for first two days. That's why he had only one gravel win in 2016 - GB Rally (until now; final WRC round is this month in Australia). Frankly, it wasn't good for Ogier but that saved the championship because other crews had opportunity to win some events. 

                         WRC champion S. Ogier

Is that how much Ogier and VW are better then other crews/teams? Yes, he/they are. VW is still better then Hyundai, Citroen and M-Sport. And Ogier is just better driver then this paying guys that fill the seats in some teams. 

                  Finland 2016 winner - K. Meeke

Domination is not good and makes the sport not interesting.  That justifies rule Ogier (and his team boss Capito) was against so much.

               T. Neuville - winner for Hyundai in 2016

                 H. Paddon won in Argentina 2016

What are the other news for 2017?

Powerstage points are for top 5 crews (5-4-3-2-1) instead of top 3 like this year.

There will be FIA WRC Trophy for 2016 WRC cars (to remind you in 2017 are much more powerful cars).

There were talks that WRC3 class will be removed because of no interest in drivers but FIA decided it will remain in 2017 season.

                     They are leaving after 2016 -  VW

Show must go on!

Cheers!