FIA confirms WRC changes for 2014

A number of changes to the 2014 World Rally Championship and its regulations were ratified in Paris today at a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

Here are the most significant decisions that were taken:

Start order: In 2014 the start order for both gravel and tarmac rallies will change to increase the show for fans and reduce the use of tactics. Next year, the start order for day one will be based on championship classification order for P1 and P2 drivers. On days two and three, P1 and P2 drivers will drive in reverse rally classification order. The decision means an end to the qualifying stage system used to determine start positions on gravel rallies in 2013.
Rally d’Italia Sardegna date change: The date for the 2014 Rally d’Italia has moved a week later in the calendar to 06 – 08 June.
Rally itinerary: To bring consistency to events, rallies must now follow a fixed format. There will be a ceremonial start on Thursday, with the last stage run on Sunday at approximately 1200hrs for European events. The final stage will be the Power Stage, which must be at least 10 kilometres long.
Driver nominations: In order to allow greater flexibility to contract different drivers, manufacturers will no longer be required to nominate one permanent driver for the season. Instead, manufacturers will be obliged to nominate one driver for a minimum of 10 Championship events.
Rally 2: Cars having retired and restarting (as Rally 2) will be placed in the next day’s start order after the P1 and P2 drivers group.

Ref:wrc.com