Mechanics in service
Revised: As a cost cutting measure, the FIA has reduced the number of mechanics permitted to work on cars in a service area (at the same time) from six in 2008 to four this year. This number does not include the driver and co-driver who are also permitted to lend a hand.

Safety crews
Revised: On some events safety crews (a driver and a co-driver) are allowed to drive through stages before the competitors to inform them of last minute changes to their pacenotes. In the past there could be one safety crew per competitor. For this year each team is limited to just one safety crew.

Tyres
Revised: Pirelli remain single tyre supplier to the WRC and will use largely the same range of PZero (asphalt) Scorpion (gravel) and SottoZero (snow) tyres this year that was introduced in 2008. The only exception is a new, wider, studded snow tyre designed to fit a standard 15 inch gravel wheel and cut out the need for teams to purchase narrow 16 inch rims purely for snow rallies.

The FIA has allocated tyres from Pirelli's range for each of the 12 rallies, so that on nine events just one type is available. Exceptions are Ireland, where a non-studded winter tyre is an option, and Spain where hard and soft compound variants of the PZero will be available. An asphalt and gravel tyre are on the FIA options list for the mixed surface Rally Cyprus, but it looks like teams will be asked to use only the hard compound gravel tyre for all stages.

The quantity of tyres available for each car per rally is based on the number of tyre changing services and the category of competition. For Priority 1 and Priority 2 competitors, a maximum of six tyres per tyre change plus six tyres for shakedown are permitted (note—cars can carry two spares). P-WRC and non-priority drivers of 4WD cars are allowed a maximum of four tyres per tyre change plus five tyres for shakedown. J-WRC entrants are allowed 24 tyres per event including shakedown.

Championship points
Revised: Full points will be awarded at the end of every WRC rally—even if it is substantially shortened. Previously, fewer points would be allocated if the competitive distance was cut short. This revision was brought in to protect P-WRC and J-WRC competitors who might—through no fault of their own—be unable to score full points on any of their six nominated rallies.

Fuel
Revised: The FIA has chosen Carless to replace Shell as fuel supplier to the World Rally Championship. The specification of fuel has been altered to make it more environmentally friendly.

Mechanical linking
Revised: To suit the reduced number of rallies in 2009, the FIA has altered the linking rules that govern the cost saving multiple use of chassis, engines, gearboxes and some spare parts.

Engine linking
Revised: Manufacturer or Manufacturer Teams must list the rallies to be run with the same engine links (a minimum of two rallies). Manufacturer and Manufacturer Teams which contest 10 to 12 rallies must nominate four engine links per car. Manufacturer Teams which will tackle eight or nine rallies must list three engine links per car.

Chasis
Revised: For Manufacturers and Manufacturer Teams the use of chassis for both testing and competing in WRC events will be limited to: Eight chassis for each Manufacturer. Eight chassis for each Manufacturer Team which will content 10 to 12 events, and seven chassis for each Manufacturer Team which has nominated eight or nine events. If the maximum number of chassis is exceeded, a time penalty of five minutes will be imposed.

Transmission and spare parts linking
Revised: For a Manufacturer or a Manufacturer Team, a list of linked rallies intended to be run with the same transmission and spare parts must be notified prior to the first rally in which they will take part as: Four links per car for a Manufacturer. Four links per car for a Manufacturer Team which has nominated 10-12 rallies. Three links per car for a Manufacturer Team which has nominated eight or nine rallies.

Transmission notes: For Manufacturers and Manufacturer Teams, two gearbox and differential assemblies per car will be sealed on the first rally of each link. Only these units must be used on the linked rallies. If two gearbox and differential assemblies have been used on the first rally of a link, only once per season, two different gearbox and differential assemblies may be sealed without incurring a penalty.

Spare parts notes: For cars entered by a Manufacturer or a Manufacturer Team, the following parts will be sealed before the first rally of each link: One front subframe and one rear subframe fitted on the car. Two spare front subframes and two spare rear subframes for a two car team. One steering rack fitted on the car. Two spare steering racks for a two car team.

any privateers too thinking alike in IRC 09???

Tom can we also cut costs in IRC or are we already running on a low profile ???

service teams charge a bomb every event

Can we have a controlled usage of tyres for every rally. (Say max of 5) and also look at spares usage restriction per rally. This will help teams preserve cars and keep costs low.

Spares like: Suspensions, driveshafts, lower arms, gearbox, engine which are very commonly prone to failures.

Just a thought.

nice thought abhi but how do you control spares? our service parks are pretty much open for anyone and anything.....

WRC has also cut down the number of events. So some events run every alternate year.

yeah arjun very true some kind of pre event scrutiny and controlled service area would us help do this.

For ex; Access to limited mechs in proportion to the no. of cars run by a team (say 2 per car, but access for 5 to work on a car when at service). A designated parts storage area (pre scrutiny clearance to be obtanied for all parts kept) team wise allocated and supervised by an official within the service park. This might require a good amount of planning but is not very tough to execute. Also putting a limit on usage will also help say for ex 1 set of lower arms etc..per rally. This will put pressure on teams to prepare cars more reliable and also on drivers to preserve cars till rally finish.

What about cutting down the number of stages?

Or just run all the stages in one day. That will really test the car and people.

abhi just give this a thought
as of now...... how many spare parts have u got replaced on ur car in an event apart from rims and bumpers...... practically nothing more

guys who have spare shocks & gearbox have the luxury to get it replaced........ otherwise its just rims & tyres.

i think there should be a major cut in SERVICE AMOUNT and ENTRY FEES

its not easy for service teams to give a discount... but on the other hand sponsors should look into a method where equipment and spares and fuel made available to them at service parks as 99% cars are MARUTI SUZUKI

@HKS, well would agree with you, but not much, look at the no. of cars that gets DNFed due to mechanical issues. what could be the reason. is it lack of prepration or not able to afford new parts every rally well need to give a thought on this.

will agree with you that manufacture, ASN and club support is needed to cut cost.

I second HKS on this thought...more affordable rallying is,more number of entries and more popularity flowing into the sport...This can also bring in major sponsorships into the sport...

entry fees can be cut down in all classes...

MORE POPULAR THE SPORT,better for us...I

will cutting the fees get in more competitors? arent the other costs high too?

make entry fee as less as possible.competitors will have spent a lot to already build a car.

Make suspension rebuilds and rally service team to cost less

Make genuine parts to cost less.give concession....big concession
Recession....the lower arms u replace after each rally itself costs 1150 per piece in blr
Keep a lucrative prize money..

See how irc will grow!

''Recession guru discounts ka zamana hai''