WMSC inks rules changes, buys time on Super 2000.

This week's meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council has paved the way for changes to the face of the World Rally Championship, with a notable extension in the deadline for firming up the rules in order to implement 'cost reduction measures'.

This is expected to allow the regulations to outline the proposed Super 2000 concept being put forward for the 2006 season by FIA president Max Mosley ( see original story). The new formula is designed to encourage the use of common parts, while cutting back on technology. The idea is based on the formula used in the successful European Touring Car Championship regulations, which Mosley believes can easily be adapted to rallying.

The Council has said that it will seek a special waiver from the FIA General Assembly to extend the normal October regulatory deadline until December in order to 'complete the development of detailed technical regulations to reduce very substantially the costs of a World Rally Car'. If approved, the new regulations will be announced after the December meeting of the Council for application from 1 January 2006.

Other rule changes firmed up included an amendment to the controversial SupeRally format, regarding the re-admittance of cars that retired on the opening days of an event. From next season, any crew which has retired from either leg one or two may re-start the rally from the start of the next leg, but will be penalised five minutes - added to the fastest time of the drivers' priority group - for each missed stage.

It was also confirmed that the total length of special stages will be between a minimum of 340km and maximum of 360km.