WRC Spain – Sordo angry with starting order

Le Rally of Spain is atypical for the simple reason that it combines two diametrically opposed surfaces, asphalt for the first two days, then dirt for the last day on Sunday. However, usually, the starting order of a “dirt” round is decided at the end of a shakedown where the fastest drivers can then choose their starting position. However, the FIA ​​has decided to retain the starting system for an asphalt round, with a starting order respecting the order of the classification in the Drivers' world championship for the first day, then according to the classification of the race for the two days. remaining.

But according to Dani Sordo, the disadvantage of opening the road on Sunday will be too great, which will force some drivers to deliberately slow down on Saturday evening so as not to be in the lead on Saturday evening. “The leader at the end of the special stages run on asphalt will be the one who opens the road the next day, and will therefore set the track for all the others. The gravel stages are so slippery that the leader will not be able to prevent the return of his adversaries. “It’s a shame, because it will undeniably lead to strategies to avoid this situation.”

Faced with this, the organizers claim to have thought about this situation, but the FIA ​​refused to allow the starting order for Sunday alone to be reversed.