The regulations applicable to Shakedown Qualifying for P1 and P2 drivers on gravel rallies only have been agreed. A two-hour window will be allocated for free practice, during which drivers are permitted a maximum of two passes over the Qualifying Stage. Running in the order of the Championship classification, drivers will then be permitted one Qualifying run. Taking into account the stage times, P1 and P2 crews - in order of fastest to slowest - will then select their start positions. Any driver not completing the Qualifying Stage will choose their position last. On subsequent days, all Priority 1 and 2 crews will restart in reverse order of their provisional overall classification.
From 1 January 2012 organisers of WRC events will be allowed to specify whether cars are permitted to re-start after retirement. As the WRC seeks to move into new territories, it is recognised that a more flexible approach is required in order to fit in with local infrastructures.
The 2012 FIA World Rally Championship calendar is confirmed as follows:
17-22/01 Rallye Monte-Carlo
09-12/02 Rally Sweden
08-11/03 Rally Mexico
29/03-01/04 Rally Portugal
27-29/04 Rally Argentina
25-27/05 Acropolis Rally
22-24/06 Rally of New Zealand
02-05/08 Rally Finland
24-26/08 Rallye Deutschland
13-16/09 Rally of Great Britain
04-07/10 Rallye de France - Alsace
18-21/10 Rally d’Italia
01-04/11 Rally de España
Note: The finish date given is the Sunday of the rally weekend. Itineraries are however subject to final confirmation by event organisers.
FIA Production Car World Rally Championship
17-22/01 Rallye Monte-Carlo
08-11/03 Rally Mexico
27-29/04 Rally Argentina
25-27/05 Acropolis Rally
22-24/06 Rally of New Zealand
24-26/08 Rallye Deutschland
18-21/10 Rally d’Italia
01-04/11 Rally de España
Six nominated events from eight count towards the Championship.
FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship
17-22/01 Rallye Monte-Carlo
09-12/02 Rally Sweden
29/03-01/04 Rally Portugal
22-24/06 Rally of New Zealand
02-05/08 Rally Finland
13-16/09 Rally of Great Britain
04-07/10 Rallye de France - Alsace
01-04/11 Rally de España
Seven nominated events from eight count towards the Championship.