IRC adjusts points system for 2012

13th January 2012

The Intercontinental Rally Challenge has tweaked its points system in line with its expanded 2012 calendar.

Having so far run a 'best seven scores count' procedure, this year drivers will be able to count their points from eight of the 13 rounds, as the championship length increases by two rallies over 2011.

The late-season bonus scores system has also been adjusted. While the Cyprus finale remains a double points event, there will not be a repeat of the points-and-a-half offered in Scotland last year.

The additional points had been implemented in 2011 to ensure late-season rounds were well-attended by series regulars. But with the loss of Scotland, Sanremo becomes the penultimate round, and the Italian event has never been short of entries, with strong local support to bolster the field.

Last year the bonus scores available in Scotland and Cyprus were crucial to Andreas Mikkelsen's title charge, as the eventual champion won both rallies where extra points were on offer and therefore pipped Jan Kopecky to the crown despite a tough start to the season.

The IRC adds new rallies in Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania and San Marino for 2012, creating its biggest ever schedule despite the departures of Monte Carlo and Scotland.