The Sporting Regulations for the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge have been published with confirmation that drivers will count their best eight scores from a possible 13 during the season, while Super 2000 cars produced by a registered IRC manufacturer and powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with a 30-milimetre restrictor will be eligible for IRC points.
In addition IRC promoter Eurosport Events has confirmed that double points will be awarded for the season-closing Cyprus Rally in November.
Confirmation that Super 2000 cars from an eligible IRC manufacturer with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and a 30-milimetre restrictor will be able to chase IRC points follows consultation with the existing IRC manufacturers, who agreed to the change of regulations.
It means the new-generation Super 2000 cars will compete against the traditional 2.0-litre atmospheric S2000 models that have dominated the IRC since its creation in 2007.
Elsewhere, Subaru’s Impreza R4 will continue to be eligible for the IRC Production Cup along with Ralliart’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in Group N and R4-specification plus Subaru’s Impreza WRX.
The IRC 2WD Cup will once again be for drivers in two-wheel-drive cars conforming to R1-R3 and N1-N4 specifications, plus RGT homologated by the FIA, motorsport’s world governing body. Only registered IRC manufacturers will be eligible for the IRC 2WD Cup manufacturers’ title.
A co-drivers’ classification will be published following each round of the IRC. An overall, IRC Production Cup and IRC 2WD Cup classification will also exist.