Major Changes Announced for the 2005 British Rally Championship

28 October 2004

Building on the successes of 2004, BRCL, the organisers of the British Rally Championship are announcing further improvements for 2005.  Responding to competitor feedback, next year’s BRC will have four class categories, (each matched by its own championship), delivering on BRCL’s commitment to develop a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand and identifiable structure.

The 2005 Championship structure will be:
·   The British Rally Championship
·   The British Super 1600 Rally Championship
·   The BRC Production Rally Championship
·   The BRC Formula 2000 Rally Championship
·   The British Rally Teams Championship

Sporting developments over recent years have resulted in the gradual merging by the FIA of the Group N and A rules. Whilst there are still differences, the gap between the categories has decreased to the point that BRCL has decided to merge these classes into one recognisable, cost effective and technically controlled starter category called Formula 2000.

Each Championship class category will be identified by a unique colour coded door panel decal, making for easy spectator identification.

The 2005 BRC will not feature classes for 1400cc or 1600cc cars. These classes will benefit from a new high profile BRCL promoted series, details of which will be announced later.

The British Rally Championship
At the pinnacle of UK rallying, the 2005 British Rally Championship will be for World Rally cars, A8 and A7 Kit Cars. Points will be awarded from first down to eighth place overall rewarding the front running cars and rally winners with the top prize.

The British Super 1600 Championship
The British Super 1600 Rally Championship will again be for Super 1600 cars and 1600cc Kit variant cars. In 2004 this category was popular with Junior drivers, but in 2005 the emphasis will be changed and promoted to drivers who are seeking a competitive alternative to a World Rally car.  An exclusive customer assessment day is being organised for the beginning of December 2004, hosted by the current Super 1600 teams. The Championship will again reward a British title.

The BRC Production Rally Championship
The 2005 Production Rally Championship is for Group N4 cars. The series will provide a true test of ability in a reliable and cost effective category. With competition already confirmed from a "works" Mitsubishi car and an imminent announcement of the all new Subaru Cup, the Production Series will be a very competitive and exciting Championship.

The BRC Formula 2000 Rally Championship
Recognising that the BRC needs a true starter category, the Formula 2000 Rally Championship has been introduced for 2005. This new Championship will be for competitors who want to test and develop their skills on the first rung of the BRC ladder, but in an affordable and controlled manner. With a firm emphasis on control, the Formula 2000 series will only be open to homologated front wheel drive cars up to 2000cc running to Group N rules. A press and public launch is being planned for late November.

The British Rally Teams Championship
Building on the success of the inaugural Teams Championship in 2004, the 2005 Championship groups teams into one of the four class categories. This will allow teams to enter a maximum of two cars with the highest placed finisher in each team category scoring points. The Championship will again reward a British title.

Mark Taylor, Championship Manager comments, "I believe these changes will add considerable strength and identity to each individual class. We will continue to develop our relationship with teams and competitors and work with our partners in the organising clubs to further reduce the time and costs involved in competing."
 
Taylor concludes; "In 2004, massive strides were made in reducing competitor costs and attendance at the events has increased significantly as a result. The BRC represents, on a cost per stage mile basis, some of the most cost effective and enjoyable rallying in the UK. When you add to that great events, classic stages, full recces, terrestrial TV coverage and an ever growing showcase for sponsors, I’m confident that the BRC will deliver even more value for money and competitor enjoyment in 2005"

See 2005 series calendar for British Rally Championship

Related Story 01.10.2004 - Dates Announced for 2005 British Rally Championship