2012 WRC calendar revised

The FIA World Motor Sport Council has agreed the venues and dates for the 2012 World Rally Championship.

In a move that will delight many fans, the Monte Carlo Rally is to be included on the calendar for the first time since 2008, having spent the past three seasons as a round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Mini Countryman WRC 2011 (Launch) Front Side
Could 2012 see a Mini win the Monte Carlo Rally for the first time since 1967?

Italy is also in, but the intended event in Abu Dhabi has been abandoned because its business plan did not get the required approval.

FIA 2012 World Rally Championship
Round Date Country
1 22/01 Monte Carlo
2 12/02 Sweden
3 11/03 Mexico
4 01/04 Portugal
5 29/04 Argentina
6 27/05 (or 03/06)* Greece
7 24/06 New Zealand
8 05/08 Finland
9 26/08 Germany
10 16/09 Great Britain
11 07/10 France
12 October* Italy
13 04/11 Spain
* Dates to be confirmed.
Dates shown are the Sunday of each rally weekend.

In a change to the regulations, a form of qualifying is going to be introduced from the beginning of next year. The shakedown times set by all Priority 1 and 2 crews will be used to determine the day one running order, with the fastest competitors allowed to choose their start positions.

This should help get around the current problem where the first to set off are often at a disadvantage - especially on gravel stages - because they sweep a clearer path for subsequent cars, who then benefit from the extra grip and so gain extra speed.

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2012 WRC calendar

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