OCTOBER 15, 2003

Richards loses Rally Commission vote

David Richards, the boss of British American Racing and the man who runs the commercial side of rallying, has lost his vote on the FIA World Rally Championship Commission which has been restructured to make decision-making more efficient.

The body will now consist of three representatives of the manufacturers, the first and last in the championship and one other voted by the teams; three organizers (one from Europe, one from outside and a third elected by the promoters; plus two FIA representatives. There will be two non-voting members: an FIA representative and the commercial rights holder (Richards). Decisions will be made by a simple majority.

As expected the FIA has pushed through its plans for two-car teams with an extended calendar and has banned the use of reconnaissance cars and reduced servicing so that less equipment is transported from event to event.