Tavares to talk with Matton on points

Incoming FIA rally director Yves Matton is in danger of coming into immediate conflict with his former employer Citroen after PSA Group boss Carlos Tavares called on the governing body to change the rules over driver nominations.

Tavares said the rule allowing teams to nominate three crews with the two highest finishers taking manufacturer points was contributing to the boom and bust nature of the series.

Tavares has already contacted the FIA in an effort to convince them to change the regulation, and added that he would be furthering that discussion with Matton.

He said: “You are telling people: ‘If you want to come to the championship, you have to bring three cars.’

“You are increasing the entry costs for newcomers in the championship, if they want a chance of the championship they need three cars from day one. That’s inflation and we know bust comes after inflation. If we are sincere about protecting our sport, we should say: ‘No, that’s not the right way to do it – that’s creating an entry cost which is higher, so somewhere in the long run you are penalising the WRC.”

Rules allowing teams to nominate three cars were re-introduced for 2016, prior to that only two cars could score. The teams are split on this matter, with M-sport similarly understanding of the cost implications. Toyota and Hyundai prefer the threecar rule, especially with four drivers for its

three i20 Coupes.