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Power Stage
Power Stage
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The Power Stage (abbreviated as PS) is a special stage that usually runs as the final stage of a rally in the World Rally Championship (WRC)[a] and European Rally Championship (ERC). Additional championship points are available to the fastest five crews through the stage regardless of where they actually finished in the rally.[2] Unlike normal special stages, which are timed to a tenth of a second, the timing of the Power Stage is to a thousandth of a second.[3]

Points scoring systems

[edit]

The bonus scoring system initially used at the 1999 Tour de Corse and 1999 Rally Finland, branded as the "TV stage".[4][5] Drivers that had retired from the event could take part in the TV stage.[6]

Re-introduced in 2011, the top three crews through the stage could score extra bonus points, with the fastest crew receiving three points, the second-fastest receiving two points, and the third-fastest receiving one point.[5] In 2017, the scoring system was amended so the five fastest drivers through the stage were awarded points from five for first to one for fifth.[7] Manufacturers, WRC-2 and WRC-3 categories were also eligible to score Power Stage points in 2021. From 2022, WRC-2 awarded Power Stage points from three for first place, to one for third place. However, it was axed from 2024 onwards.[8] Power Stage points are no longer awarded in WRC-3.

Power Stages were also introduced during the 2022 European Rally Championship, using the final stage of each rally and awarding points to the five fastest crews in a similar fashion to the WRC.[9][10]

Seasons Category 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
1999, 20112016 WRC 3 2 1
2017–present WRC 5 4 3 2 1
20222023 WRC-2 3 2 1
2022–present ERC 5 4 3 2 1

Cancelled Power Stages

[edit]

This list does not include cancelled rallies.

No. Rally Stage name Reason Ref
1. Monaco 2013 Monte Carlo Rally LantosqueLucéram 2 Increase in local traffic due to bad weather. [11]
2. Mexico 2020 Rally Mexico El Brinco The rally ended prematurely in response to increased travel restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. [12]

Most wins in WRC

[edit]
Key
Bold Drivers or co-drivers active in the World Rally Championship
World Rally Championship Drivers' or Co-Drivers' champions

By drivers

[edit]
Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier has the most Power Stage victories.
No. Driver Active years Wins First win Last win
1. France Sébastien Ogier 2008–present 50 Sweden 2011 Rally Sweden Japan 2025 Rally Japan
2. Belgium Thierry Neuville 20092010, 2012–present 27 Finland 2013 Rally Finland Paraguay 2025 Rally del Paraguay
3. Estonia Ott Tänak 20092012, 20142025 23 France 2012 Rallye de France Portugal 2025 Rally de Portugal
4. Finland Kalle Rovanperä 20172025 22 Sweden 2020 Rally Sweden Finland 2025 Rally Finland
5. Finland Jari-Matti Latvala 20022020, 2023–present 15 France 2011 Rallye de France United Kingdom 2018 Wales Rally GB
6. France Sébastien Loeb 19992013, 2015, 20182020, 2022 7 Portugal 2011 Rally de Portugal Germany 2012 Rallye Deutschland
7. United Kingdom Elfyn Evans 2007, 2011, 2013–present 6 Germany 2014 Rallye Deutschland Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia
7. United Kingdom Kris Meeke 20022008, 2011, 20132019 6 Spain 2011 Rally Catalunya France 2019 Tour de Corse
9. Finland Mikko Hirvonen 20022014 5 Mexico 2011 Rally México United Kingdom 2012 Wales Rally GB
9. Spain Dani Sordo 20032024 5 Portugal 2012 Rally de Portugal Spain 2021 Rally Catalunya
9. Finland Esapekka Lappi 20112013, 20152024 5 Italy 2017 Rally Italia Sardegna Sweden 2023 Rally Sweden
12. Norway Petter Solberg 19982012, 20182019 4 Argentina 2011 Rally Argentina Italy 2012 Rally Italia Sardegna
13. Norway Andreas Mikkelsen 20062024 3 Italy 2014 Rally Italia Sardegna Italy 2019 Rally Italia Sardegna
13. Japan Takamoto Katsuta 2016–present 3 Italy 2020 Rally Monza Europe 2024 Central European Rally
13. France Adrien Fourmaux 2009–present 3 Croatia 2024 Croatia Rally Kenya 2025 Safari Rally
16. France Didier Auriol 19842003, 2005 2 France 1999 Tour de Corse Finland 1999 Rally Finland
17. Norway Mads Østberg 20062021 1 Sweden 2014 Rally Sweden Sweden 2014 Rally Sweden
17. New Zealand Hayden Paddon 20072019, 2022 1 Argentina 2016 Rally Argentina Argentina 2016 Rally Argentina
17. Republic of Ireland Craig Breen 20092012, 20142023 1 Japan 2022 Rally Japan Japan 2022 Rally Japan
Notes:[b]

By co-drivers

[edit]
No. Co-Driver Active years Wins First win Last win
1. France Julien Ingrassia 20082021 41 Sweden 2011 Rally Sweden Croatia 2021 Croatia Rally
2. Finland Jonne Halttunen 20112014, 20172025 22 Sweden 2020 Rally Sweden Finland 2025 Rally Finland
3. Estonia Martin Järveoja 20102025 21 Portugal 2017 Rally de Portugal Portugal 2025 Rally de Portugal
4. Finland Miikka Anttila 19992020 15 France 2011 Rallye de France United Kingdom 2018 Wales Rally GB
4. Belgium Nicolas Gilsoul 20072008, 20122020, 2023 15 Finland 2013 Rally Finland Turkey 2020 Rally Turkey
6. Belgium Martijn Wydaeghe 20132019, 2021–present 12 Italy 2021 Rally Italia Sardegna Paraguay 2025 Rally del Paraguay
7. France Vincent Landais 2012–present 8 Mexico 2023 Rally Mexico Japan 2025 Rally Japan
8. Monaco Daniel Elena 19982013, 2015, 20182020 7 Portugal 2011 Rally de Portugal Germany 2012 Rallye Deutschland
9. Finland Jarmo Lehtinen 19972014, 20182020 5 Mexico 2011 Rally México United Kingdom 2012 Wales Rally GB
9. Finland Janne Ferm 20112013, 20152024 5 Italy 2017 Rally Italia Sardegna Sweden 2023 Rally Sweden
9. United Kingdom Scott Martin 2004–present 5 Finland 2021 Rally Finland Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia
12. United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland Chris Patterson 1993, 19972018, 2021 4 Argentina 2011 Rally Argentina Italy 2012 Rally Italia Sardegna
12. Republic of Ireland Paul Nagle 2004, 20062008, 20112022 4 Spain 2011 Rally Catalunya Monaco 2018 Monte Carlo Rally
14. France Alexandre Coria 2016, 2019, 2021–present 3 Croatia 2024 Croatia Rally Kenya 2025 Safari Rally
15. France Denis Giraudet 19811984, 1989, 19911993, 19952017, 2019 2 France 1999 Tour de Corse Finland 1999 Rally Finland
15. Spain Carlos del Barrio 19911992, 19942000, 2002, 20042007, 20102014, 20182022 2 Portugal 2012 Rally de Portugal France 2013 Rallye de France-Alsace
15. Norway Ola Fløene 1995, 20002019, 2021 2 Italy 2014 Rally Italia Sardegna Spain 2015 Rally Catalunya
15. Spain Marc Martí 19921993, 19952010, 2012, 20142022 2 Germany 2017 Rallye Deutschland Spain 2017 Rally Catalunya
15. United Kingdom Sebastian Marshall 2008, 20102019, 2021 2 Monaco 2019 Monte Carlo Rally France 2019 Tour de Corse
15. United Kingdom Daniel Barritt 2000, 20022021 2 Germany 2014 Rallye Deutschland Italy 2020 Rally Monza
15. Sweden Jonas Andersson 2002–present 2 Sweden 2014 Rally Sweden Sweden 2024 Rally Finland
15. Republic of Ireland Aaron Johnston 2019–present 2 Finland 2024 Rally Finland Europe 2024 Central European Rally
23. Estonia Kuldar Sikk 20032015, 20172020 1 France 2012 Rallye de France France 2012 Rallye de France
23. New Zealand John Kennard 1985, 19871989, 1991, 1998, 20072017, 2019, 2022 1 Argentina 2016 Rally Argentina Argentina 2016 Rally Argentina
23. Estonia Raigo Mõlder 2009, 20142016, 2020 1 United Kingdom 2016 Wales Rally GB United Kingdom 2016 Wales Rally GB
23. Norway Anders Jæger-Amland 20142020 1 Italy 2019 Rally Italia Sardegna Italy 2019 Rally Italia Sardegna
23. Spain Cándido Carrera 20102016, 20182019, 2021–present 1 Spain 2021 Rally Catalunya Spain 2021 Rally Catalunya
23. France Benjamin Veillas 1999, 2008, 20152019, 20212024 1 Spain 2022 Rally Catalunya Spain 2022 Rally Catalunya
23. Republic of Ireland James Fulton 2020–present 1 Japan 2022 Rally Japan Japan 2022 Rally Japan
Notes:[b]

Most wins per season

[edit]
Key
Bold Won the World Championship in the same year
Year Driver(s) Wins Races
1999 France Didier Auriol 2 2[c]
2011 France Sébastien Ogier 4 13
2012 France Sébastien Loeb 4 13
2013 France Sébastien Ogier 7 12[d]
2014 France Sébastien Ogier 6 13
2015 France Sébastien Ogier 9 13
2016 France Sébastien Ogier 7 13
2017 Belgium Thierry Neuville 4 13
2018 Belgium Thierry Neuville
Estonia Ott Tänak
Finland Esapekka Lappi
3 13
2019 Estonia Ott Tänak 6 13
2020 Belgium Thierry Neuville
Finland Kalle Rovanperä
2 6[e]
2021 Estonia Ott Tänak 4 12
2022 Finland Kalle Rovanperä 7 13
2023 Finland Kalle Rovanperä 6 13
2024 Belgium Thierry Neuville 5 13
2025 France Sébastien Ogier 5 14

Points scored in WRC

[edit]
Key
Bold Drivers or co-drivers active in the World Rally Championship
World Rally Championship Drivers' or Co-Drivers' champions

By drivers

[edit]
No. Driver Active years Times First score Last score Points
1. France Sébastien Ogier 2008–present 123 Sweden 2011 Rally Sweden Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 366
2. Belgium Thierry Neuville 20092010, 2012–present 103 France 2012 Rallye de France Chile 2025 Rally Chile 328
3. Estonia Ott Tänak 20092012, 20142015 82 Portugal 2012 Rally de Portugal Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 275
4. Finland Kalle Rovanperä 20172015 49 Sweden 2020 Rally Sweden Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 194
5. United Kingdom Elfyn Evans 2007, 2011, 2013–present 67 Germany 2014 Rallye Deutschland Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 186
6. Finland Jari-Matti Latvala 2002-2020, 2023–present 72 Sweden 2011 Rally Sweden Finland 2023 Rally Finland 154
7. Finland Esapekka Lappi 20112013, 20152024 26 Portugal 2017 Rally de Portugal Finland 2024 Rally Finland 78
8. Spain Dani Sordo 20032024 36 France 2011 Rallye de France Greece 2023 Acropolis Rally 75
9. Japan Takamoto Katsuta 2016–present 32 Italy 2020 Rally Monza Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 68
10. Norway Andreas Mikkelsen 20062024 30 Germany 2012 Rallye Deutschland Japan 2024 Rally Japan 62
11. France Sébastien Loeb 19992013, 2015, 20182020, 2022 27 Sweden 2011 Rally Sweden Kenya 2022 Safari Rally 57
12. United Kingdom Kris Meeke 20022008, 2011, 20132019 23 Spain 2011 Rally Catalunya Germany 2019 Rallye Deutschland 55
13. Finland Mikko Hirvonen 20022014 17 Mexico 2011 Rally Mexico Germany 2014 Rallye Deutschland 43
14. Republic of Ireland Craig Breen 20092012, 20142023 14 France 2017 Tour de Corse Sweden 2023 Rally Sweden 32
15. France Adrien Fourmaux 2022–present 11 Kenya 2022 Safari Rally Spain 2025 Rally Islas Canarias 29
16. Norway Mads Østberg 20062021 12 Mexico 2012 Rally México Italy 2023 Rally Italia Sardegna 25
17. Finland Teemu Suninen 20142024 9 Portugal 2018 Rally de Portugal Finland 2023 Rally Finland 22
18. Norway Petter Solberg 19982012, 20182019 10 Mexico 2011 Rally México Italy 2012 Rally Italia Sardegna 21
19. New Zealand Hayden Paddon 20072019, 2022 4 Mexico 2016 Rally Mexico Sweden 2017 Rally Sweden 7
20. France Didier Auriol 19842003, 2005 2 France 1999 Tour de Corse Finland 1999 Rally Finland 6
20. Finland Juho Hänninen 20062011, 20132015, 2017, 2023 4 Monaco 2017 Monte Carlo Rally Finland 2013 Rally Finland 6
20. Russia Evgeny Novikov 20072009, 20112013 4 Monaco 2012 Monte Carlo Rally United Kingdom 2013 Wales Rally GB 6
20. France Stéphane Lefebvre 20132024 2 Monaco 2017 Monte Carlo Rally Poland 2017 Rally Poland 6
24. Sweden Oliver Solberg 2019–present 2 New Zealand 2022 Rally New Zealand Estonia 2025 Rally Estonia 5
25. Finland Tommi Mäkinen 19872003 2 France 1999 Tour de Corse Finland 1999 Rally Finland 4
25. United Kingdom Gus Greensmith 2022–present 2 Kenya 2022 Safari Rally Greece 2022 Acropolis Rally 4
25. Italy Mauro Miele 2018–present 1 Japan 2022 Rally Japan Japan 2022 Rally Japan 4
25. Finland Sami Pajari 2019–present 3 Kenya 2025 Safari Rally Europe 2025 Central European Rally 4
29. Poland Robert Kubica 20132016 2 France 2015 Tour de Corse United Kingdom 2015 Wales Rally GB 3
29. Luxembourg Grégoire Munster 2019–present 2 Kenya 2025 Safari Rally Japan 2025 Rally Japan 3
31. Netherlands Kevin Abbring 20072012, 20142018, 20202021 1 Italy 2016 Rally Italia Sardegna Italy 2016 Rally Italia Sardegna 2
32. Spain Carlos Sainz 19872005 1 France 1999 Tour de Corse France 1999 Tour de Corse 1
32. Finland Toni Gardemeister 19962008, 2010 1 Finland 1999 Rally Finland Finland 1999 Rally Finland 1
32. Qatar Nasser Al-Attiyah 20042015 1 Argentina 2012 Rally Argentina Argentina 2012 Rally Argentina 1
32. Finland Emil Lindholm 2022–present 1 Croatia 2022 Croatia Rally Croatia 2022 Croatia Rally 1
32. Paraguay Fabrizio Zaldivar 2019–present 1 Japan 2022 Rally Japan Japan 2022 Rally Japan 1
Notes:[b]

By co-drivers

[edit]
No. Co-Driver Active years Times First score Last score Points
1. France Julien Ingrassia 20082021 96 Sweden 2011 Rally Sweden Italy 2021 Rally Monza 276
2. Estonia Martin Järveoja 20102025 78 Mexico 2017 Rally Mexico Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 266
3. Finland Jonne Halttunen 20112014, 20172025 49 Sweden 2020 Rally Sweden Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 194
4. Belgium Martijn Wydaeghe 20132019, 2021–present 49 Monaco 2021 Monte Carlo Rally Chile 2025 Rally Chile 169
5. United Kingdom Scott Martin 2004–present 60 France 2017 Tour de Corse Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 168
6. Belgium Nicolas Gilsoul 20072008, 20122020, 2023 53 France 2012 Rallye de France Italy 2020 Rally Italia Sardegna 159
7. Finland Miikka Anttila 19992020 71 Sweden 2011 Rally Sweden Turkey 2019 Rally Turkey 153
8. Finland Janne Ferm 20112013, 2015–present 26 Portugal 2017 Rally de Portugal Finland 2024 Rally Finland 78
8. France Vincent Landais 2012–present 23 Monaco 2023 Monte Carlo Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 78
10. Republic of Ireland Aaron Johnston 2019–present 31 Finland 2021 Rally Finland Saudi Arabia 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia 66
11. Republic of Ireland Paul Nagle 2004, 20062008, 20112022 25 Spain 2011 Rally Catalunya Greece 2022 Acropolis Rally 57
12. Finland Jarmo Lehtinen 19972014, 20182020 20 Mexico 2011 Rally Mexico Monaco 2020 Monte Carlo Rally 51
12. Monaco Daniel Elena 19982013, 2015, 20182020 24 Sweden 2011 Rally Sweden Turkey 2020 Rally Turkey 51
14. Norway Anders Jæger-Amland 20142020 15 Monaco 2016 Monte Carlo Rally Finland 2019 Rally Finland 35
15. United Kingdom Daniel Barritt 2000, 20022021 12 Germany 2014 Rallye Deutschland Italy 2020 Rally Monza 30
15. Spain Carlos del Barrio 19911992, 19942000, 2002, 20042007, 20102014, 2018–present 15 France 2011 Rallye de France Monaco 2021 Monte Carlo Rally 30
17. France Alexandre Coria 2022–present 11 Kenya 2022 Safari Rally Spain 2025 Rally Islas Canarias 29
18. Spain Marc Martí 19921993, 19952010, 2012, 2014–present 12 Argentina 2015 Rally Argentina Spain 2017 Rally Catalunya 27
19. United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland Chris Patterson 1993, 19972018, 2021 10 Mexico 2011 Rally México Italy 2012 Rally Italia Sardegna 21
20. United Kingdom Sebastian Marshall 2008, 20102019, 2021 6 Italy 2016 Rally Italia Sardegna Germany 2019 Rallye Deutschland 19
21. Norway Ola Fløene 1995, 20002019, 2021 10 Italy 2014 Rally Italia Sardegna United Kingdom 2015 Wales Rally GB 17
22. Sweden Jonas Andersson 2002–present 14 Mexico 2012 Rally México Greece 2022 Acropolis Rally 16
22. Spain Cándido Carrera 20102016, 20182019, 2021–present 6 Spain 2021 Rally Catalunya Greece 2023 Acropolis Rally 16
24. Norway Torstein Eriksen 20112012, 2015, 20172024 5 Finland 2018 Rally Finland Japan 2024 Rally Japan 15
25. France Benjamin Veillas 1999, 2008, 20152019, 20212023 4 Croatia 2022 Croatia Rally Spain 2022 Rally Catalunya 12
26. Finland Marko Salminen 2008, 20112021 6 Monaco 2019 Monte Carlo Rally Europe 2025 Central European Rally 10
27. Finland Mikko Markkula 20012019, 2021–present 3 Portugal 2018 Rally de Portugal Finland 2023 Rally Finland 8
28. France Denis Giraudet 19811984, 1989, 19911993, 19952017, 2019 3 France 1999 Tour de Corse Monaco 2012 Monte Carlo Rally 7
28. New Zealand John Kennard 1985, 19871989, 1991, 1998, 20072017, 2019, 2022 4 Mexico 2016 Rally Mexico Sweden 2017 Rally Sweden 7
30. France Gabin Moreau 20132018 2 Monaco 2017 Monte Carlo Rally Poland 2017 Rally Poland 6
30. France Isabelle Galmiche 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022 2 Monaco 2022 Monte Carlo Rally Kenya 2022 Safari Rally 6
30. Republic of Ireland James Fulton 2020–present 2 Japan 2022 Rally Japan Sweden 2023 Rally Sweden 6
33. Austria Ilka Minor 19972007, 20102016, 2018–present 3 Greece 2013 Acropolis Rally United Kingdom 2013 Wales Rally GB 5
33. Estonia Raigo Mõlder 2009, 20142016, 2020 2 Poland 2015 Rally Poland United Kingdom 2016 Wales Rally GB 5
33. Finland Kaj Lindström 19962006, 20092015, 2017, 2019 3 Monaco 2017 Monte Carlo Rally Spain 2017 Rally Catalunya 5
33. United Kingdom Elliott Edmondson 2013, 2015–present 2 New Zealand 2022 Rally New Zealand Estonia 2025 Rally Estonia 5
37. Finland Risto Mannisenmäki 1982, 19861990, 19922001, 2003 2 France 1999 Tour de Corse Finland 1999 Rally Finland 4
37. Estonia Kuldar Sikk 20032015, 20172020 2 Portugal 2012 Rally de Portugal France 2012 Rallye de France 4
37. Italy Luca Beltrame 2007, 2017–present 1 Japan 2022 Rally Japan Japan 2022 Rally Japan 4
40. Belgium Louis Louka 2019–present 2 Kenya 2025 Safari Rally Japan 2025 Rally Japan 3
40. Poland Maciej Szczepaniak 19992000, 20022003, 2006–present 2 France 2015 Tour de Corse United Kingdom 2015 Wales Rally GB 3
42. Spain Borja Rozada 2007, 20092018, 2020–present 2 Italy 2021 Rally Italia Sardegna Kenya 2021 Safari Rally 2
43. Spain Luis Moya 19882002 1 France 1999 Tour de Corse France 1999 Tour de Corse 1
43. Finland Paavo Lukander 19962004 1 Finland 1999 Rally Finland Finland 1999 Rally Finland 1
43. Italy Giovanni Bernacchini 19982017, 2020 1 Argentina 2012 Rally Argentina Argentina 2012 Rally Argentina 1
43. Finland Reeta Hämäläinen 2022–present 1 Croatia 2022 Croatia Rally Croatia 2022 Croatia Rally 1
43. Italy Marcelo Der Ohannesian 2011, 2015, 2018–present 1 Japan 2022 Rally Japan Japan 2022 Rally Japan 1
Notes:[b]

Most points per season

[edit]
Key
Bold Won the World Championship in the same year
Year Driver(s) Points Races
1999 France Didier Auriol 6 2[c]
2011 France Sébastien Loeb 19 13
2012 France Sébastien Loeb 19 13
2013 France Sébastien Ogier 28 12[d]
2014 Finland Jari-Matti Latvala 25 13
2015 France Sébastien Ogier 27 13
2016 France Sébastien Ogier 26 13
2017 France Sébastien Ogier
Belgium Thierry Neuville
34 13
2018 France Sébastien Ogier 37 13
2019 France Sébastien Ogier 41 13
2020 Estonia Ott Tänak
Belgium Thierry Neuville
18 6[e]
2021 Belgium Thierry Neuville 35 12
2022 Finland Kalle Rovanperä 50 13
2023 Finland Kalle Rovanperä 43 13
2024 Belgium Thierry Neuville 45 13
2025 Finland Kalle Rovanperä 44 14
[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Power Stage is a special stage in the (WRC), typically run as the final stage of a rally event. Introduced in 2011, it aims to keep the competition alive until the very end by awarding bonus points to the top five finishers, regardless of their overall rally position. These bonus points are allocated as follows: 5 points to the winner, 4 to second place, 3 to third, 2 to fourth, and 1 to fifth. They contribute separately to the drivers' and co-drivers' championship standings, in addition to the standard points earned from overall rally results. The Power Stage is often broadcast live, heightening drama and allowing potential shifts in the championship leaderboard.

Introduction

Definition and Purpose

The Power Stage serves as the concluding special stage in a World Rally Championship (WRC) rally weekend, generally scheduled for Sunday to cap the event's competitive action. This stage is designed as a distinct, high-stakes segment within the broader WRC format, where crews navigate a timed course under rally conditions to determine bonus outcomes. Its core purpose is to distribute additional championship points to the top five performers, with 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 points awarded to the first through fifth place finishers respectively, independent of overall rally positions. This system, in place since , heightens rivalry and maintains suspense until the very end of the rally. By incentivizing aggressive driving from competitors who might otherwise conserve resources, the Power Stage fosters greater unpredictability and excitement for spectators, ensuring that the final leg remains pivotal even for those with established leads. What sets the Power Stage apart from standard special stages is its emphasis on extra rewards beyond mere time accumulation, transforming it into a strategic finale that can influence overall standings and team tactics. This mechanism underscores the WRC's commitment to dynamic , where performance in this closing challenge directly bolsters drivers' and manufacturers' pursuits.

Implementation in WRC

The Power Stage was introduced as a mandatory feature in the 2011 FIA season, debuting across all 13 rounds of the calendar to heighten the drama of rally finales. This innovation aimed to provide a climactic conclusion to each event, with the stage structured specifically to facilitate global broadcasting. Positioned as the final special stage of every rally, the Power Stage was typically a short test, often ranging from 10 to 20 km in length, though actual distances varied by event—for instance, 10.50 km at the 2011 Jordan Rally. Unlike standard special stages, times are recorded to the nearest thousandth of a second. Its scheduling emphasized coverage, with start times coordinated by the championship promoter to maximize international viewership, often including a preceding regroup of at least 30 minutes for setup. In terms of integration with the overall rally itinerary, the Power Stage followed the penultimate section's running order, with competitors tackling it under standard timing protocols that contributed to their total event duration. Due to its relatively brief length compared to the full rally—often exceeding 300 km of special stages—its times had a minimal direct impact on final overall classifications, while serving primarily to allocate bonus points to the top performers.

Rules and Scoring

Current Points System

In the current FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) regulations for 2025, the Power Stage awards bonus points to the top five finishers as an addition to the standard rally classification points. The first-place finisher receives 5 bonus points, second place earns 4 points, third place gets 3 points, fourth place is awarded 2 points, and fifth place receives 1 point. These Power Stage bonus points are tallied separately from the overall rally points, which follow a 25-17-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 scale for the top ten classified finishers, and the Sunday leg classification points of 5-4-3-2-1 for the top five based on cumulative times across Sunday's special stages. Under the 2025 system, a driver or co-driver achieving first place overall, first on Sunday, and first on the Power Stage can accumulate a maximum of 35 points per rally, with the Power Stage contributing up to 5 of those points. Positions in the Power Stage are determined by the fastest cumulative stage times, including any applicable time penalties such as those for false starts, with provisional and final classifications published for the top five. In the event of a dead heat for any Power Stage position, ties are broken by the best time recorded on the rally's first special stage (excluding super special stages); if unresolved, subsequent special stages are reviewed in sequence until a decisive difference is found.

Eligibility and Format

The Power Stage is open to all registered competitors in the FIA across eligible classes, including Rally1, Rally2, Rally3, and others, provided they have completed the necessary sections of the rally following the last overnight regroup. No separate entry or registration is required, as participation is integrated into the standard rally itinerary for all qualified crews. The event operates as a standard special stage, typically the final one held on , with a length and characteristics approved by the FIA and the event promoter to represent the rally's overall demands. Starting order is determined by the reverse of the current standings at the conclusion of the penultimate , ensuring leaders start last to promote competitive equity. Weather and road conditions mirror those of preceding stages, as the Power Stage follows the same route network without alterations. Timing follows conventional special stage protocols, with performances recorded to the thousandth of a second using electronic beams at the finish line, and any discrepancies resolved via manual clocks if needed. Standard penalties apply, such as 10-second additions for minor false starts or longer exclusions for severe infractions, and crews not starting in the prescribed order forfeit eligibility for associated benefits. Importantly, Power Stage results do not influence the overall rally finishing positions or classifications, serving solely to determine supplemental championship points.

Historical Developments

Introduction and Early Years

The Power Stage was proposed by the (FIA) in 2010 as a means to heighten the drama of rally finales and counteract declining television viewership for the (WRC), which had seen reduced audience engagement in prior seasons. The initiative, developed in collaboration with WRC promoter North One Sport, aimed to create a high-stakes concluding stage broadcast live to captivate viewers and maintain competitive tension until the very end. Implemented for the entire 2011 WRC season across all 13 rounds, the Power Stage debuted at the , the season opener held from February 10 to 13. This final special stage, typically 4 to 8 kilometers in length and run on the last day after a regroup, awarded bonus points to the top three finishers: 3 points to the winner, 2 to second place, and 1 to third. The format ensured all classified competitors participated, with starting order based on prior classifications to promote aggressive driving for the televised event. In its inaugural year, the Power Stage added intrigue to several closely contested events, notably influencing the drivers' championship where Sébastien Loeb clinched his eighth consecutive title by 25 points over Sébastien Ogier, with bonus points from the stages contributing to the narrow margins in key rallies like and . This early application demonstrated the format's potential to sustain excitement in tight title fights, setting a precedent for its role in WRC scoring.

Rule Changes and Updates

The Power Stage, introduced in 2011 as a final special stage awarding bonus points of 3-2-1 to the top three finishers and remaining unchanged through 2016, underwent its first significant modification in 2017 to heighten competitive intensity. In 2017, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) revised the Power Stage scoring to 5-4-3-2-1 points for the top five drivers, aiming to provide stronger incentives for aggressive performances in the rally's concluding stage and counteract conservative strategies earlier in the event. This adjustment extended eligibility to one additional competitor while increasing the maximum award by one point, thereby amplifying the potential impact on championship standings without altering the stage's format or timing. The next major evolution occurred in , when the FIA introduced a split points system to combat "Sunday driving"—a tendency for leaders to conserve resources on the final day—and boost excitement across the entire rally weekend. Under this controversial reform, points were awarded provisionally after Saturday (18-15-13-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 for the top 10), with adjustments based on outcomes, alongside dedicated points of 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 for the top seven overall finishers and the unchanged Power Stage bonuses of 5-4-3-2-1 for the top five. This expansion tied overall rally positions more directly to performance, allowing a maximum of 12 points on the final day (7 for the win plus 5 from the Power Stage), but drew criticism for diluting the emphasis on outright victories and complicating scoring logistics. Responding to feedback from teams and stakeholders, the FIA reverted key elements of the system for , capping Sunday position bonuses at for the top five overall finishers to sharpen focus on rally wins while eliminating Saturday provisional points. The overall rally scoring shifted to a straightforward 25-17-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 scale for the top 10 at the event's conclusion, integrating with the retained Power Stage format of for a potential maximum of 35 points per rally (25 for the win, plus 5 from position and 5 from the Power Stage). This simplification aimed to reward consistent leadership throughout the event more decisively, reducing opportunities for late surges to overshadow full-weekend efforts.

Cancellations

Reasons for Cancellation

The Power Stage in the (WRC) may be omitted due to a variety of factors that compromise participant or spectator , primarily governed by the (FIA) regulations. Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or storms, often render the stage unsafe by creating low visibility, slippery surfaces, or flooding that heightens the risk of accidents. Road damage, including ruts, debris, or structural hazards exacerbated by prior stages or environmental factors, can also necessitate cancellation to prevent vehicle instability or collisions. Organizational issues, like delays in timing systems, insufficient coverage, or unauthorized access to the stage, further contribute to these decisions when they delay safety checks or disrupt operations. FIA safety protocols prioritize risk mitigation, empowering officials to assess and cancel the Power Stage before its start if excessive hazards are identified. The Safety Delegate, in consultation with the Clerk of the Course, evaluates conditions such as spectator positioning, emergency access, and environmental threats, recommending cancellation under or when the stage fails to comply with the approved safety plan. Pre-start inspections by the Zero Car and Safety Cars confirm road compliance; any unresolved issues, including potential submersion or inadequate capabilities, trigger immediate postponement or omission. These measures ensure that no stage proceeds if it poses undue danger, reflecting the FIA's commitment to protecting all involved parties. When the Power Stage is cancelled, no bonus points are awarded to competitors, as no official times are recorded. The rally concludes based on results from preceding stages, maintaining the overall championship integrity without additional scoring from the omitted event finale. This outcome underscores the balance between competitive elements and safety in WRC events.

Notable Instances

The Power Stage has been cancelled in a few WRC events up to 2025, typically due to weather or safety concerns. In the 2013 , the Power Stage (Lantosque – Lucéram 2) was cancelled due to an increase in local traffic caused by bad weather conditions. The 2020 saw the Power Stage (El Brinco) omitted, along with the other Sunday stages, as the rally was shortened due to travel restrictions affecting international crews.

Records

Most Wins by Drivers

Sébastien Ogier holds the all-time record for the most Power Stage victories in the , with 49 wins as of November 2025. His successes span from his debut full season in 2012, with early wins in and Rally d'Italia Sardegna that year, building to peak performances during his era, including four Power Stage triumphs in 2013 and five in 2016. Ogier has also excelled in repeat victories at individual rallies, such as three consecutive Power Stage wins at Rally de France from 2011 to 2013, leveraging his precise pace management to clinch bonus points in tight championship fights. In 2025, Ogier added six more wins up to the , further extending his lead. Thierry Neuville sits second on the list with 27 Power Stage wins, achieved primarily during his long tenure with Hyundai from 2014 onward. He has shown consistency across surfaces, with notable surges in 2018 (five wins) and 2024 (seven wins during his championship season). ranks third with 23 Power Stage wins, concentrated in his competitive years with (2017-2020) and Hyundai (2022-). Tänak recorded a career-high seven in 2019—his title-winning season—including standout performances on and asphalt. A defining factor for these drivers' dominance is their proficiency in repeat Power Stage wins within the same rally or season, enabling strategic point accumulation. For example, Ogier's multiple triumphs at events like Rally Monte-Carlo (four times) highlight optimized car setups and risk calibration for the final stage's demands, while seasonal clusters often align with title pursuits where the five bonus points can shift standings dramatically.

Most Wins by Co-Drivers

Julien Ingrassia holds the record for the most Power Stage wins by a co-driver in the , achieving 41 victories during his partnership with driver from 2011 to 2021. These successes highlight the critical role co-drivers play in navigating the high-pressure final stage, where precise pace notes and timing can secure bonus points that often decide championships. Ingrassia's flawless coordination with Ogier contributed to multiple title defenses, underscoring the duo's dominance in the era's hybrid rally formats. Other prominent co-drivers have also amassed significant Power Stage triumphs, often tied to long-term driver pairings that foster exceptional synergy. secured 22 wins alongside , particularly during their partnership from 2019 onward, where their strategies on gravel and tarmac yielded key points. Similarly, Martin Järveoja recorded 21 victories with , emphasizing Hyundai and resurgences in the late 2010s and 2020s. These records reflect how co-drivers not only provide navigational support but also influence tactical decisions under the intense scrutiny of the Power Stage's short, decisive format. A notable aspect of Power Stage performances is the rarity of co-driver errors leading to losses, as pace note accuracy tends to remain high even in the season's most crucial moments. This reliability stems from extensive pre-event preparation and the co-driver's ability to adapt calls in real-time, minimizing mistakes that could cost valuable bonus points. Such dependability has allowed top co-drivers like Ingrassia, Halttunen, and Järveoja to consistently elevate their drivers' championship contention.
RankCo-DriverWinsPrimary Driver PairingActive Years (Key Period)
1Julien Ingrassia (France)41Sébastien Ogier2011–2021
2Jonne Halttunen (Finland)22Kalle Rovanperä2019–2025
3Martin Järveoja (Estonia)21Ott Tänak2018–2025

Most Wins in a Season

The record for the most Power Stage wins in a single World Rally Championship season is 9, set by Sébastien Ogier in 2013 while competing in the Volkswagen Polo R WRC. That year featured 13 rounds, but the Power Stage at Rallye Monte-Carlo was cancelled due to a spectator incident, leaving 12 opportunities; Ogier's tally included victories at Rally Sweden, Rally Mexico, Rally Portugal, Rally Italia Sardegna, Rally Finland, Rally Australia, Rally France Alsace, RallyRACC Catalunya, and Wales Rally GB. His dominance in the Power Stage contributed significantly to securing his maiden WRC Drivers' Championship with 290 points. Ogier matched this mark in 2015, again with 9 Power Stage wins across 13 full rounds in the Volkswagen Polo R WRC, underscoring the car's superiority on diverse surfaces during Volkswagen's early WRC era. These performances highlight how Power Stage success often aligns with overall rally dominance, particularly in high-performance machinery like the Polo R WRC, which allowed Ogier to maximize bonus points and extend leads in tight championship battles. Other notable seasons include several with 7 Power Stage wins, such as Ogier's 2016 campaign (also in the Polo R WRC) and Kalle Rovanperä's 2022 effort in the . The top five seasons by Power Stage wins are:

Most Points by Drivers

Sébastien Ogier holds the record for the most cumulative bonus points earned from Power Stage performances in the , amassing 357 points across his career as of November 2025. This total accounts for the evolution of the scoring system, with Ogier benefiting significantly from the post-2017 format that awards 5 points to the winner, 4 to second place, 3 to third, 2 to fourth, and 1 to fifth. Prior to 2017, from the Power Stage's introduction in 2011 through 2016, points were limited to the top three finishers at 3, 2, and 1 respectively; Ogier accumulated substantial points in that era through consistent top finishes, including multiple victories. In the higher-stakes 5-1 era, he has added extensively, often securing maximum hauls in rallies where he was not the overall winner, thereby maximizing his championship impact beyond outright victories. His 2025 performances added further to this total. Following Ogier, ranks second with 328 Power Stage points, reflecting his consistent top finishes with Hyundai. Neuville's tally includes strong contributions from both scoring eras, with frequent podiums in the early years and multiple wins post-2017. sits third with 270 points, with his aggressive style yielding high returns, particularly in and recent Hyundai stints. These totals highlight how sustained excellence in the Power Stage can substantially bolster a driver's championship standing, often turning close title battles in their favor.

Most Points by Co-Drivers

The co-driver with the most Power Stage bonus points in World Rally Championship history is Julien Ingrassia, who accumulated approximately 250 points during his career partnership with from 2010 to 2021. These points were earned through consistent top-five finishes in the final stage of rallies, reflecting the duo's dominance in high-stakes situations where bonus points of 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 are awarded to the fastest five crews. Ingrassia's total underscores the critical role co-drivers play in navigation and strategy during Power Stages, often contributing to maximizing these extra points that can influence championship outcomes. Following Ingrassia, ranks second with around 200 Power Stage points, primarily from his collaboration with since 2019 with . Halttunen's tally highlights the value of enduring driver-co-driver , as the pair frequently secured bonus points through aggressive pushes on the final stage despite not always contending for overall rally victories. Similarly, Martin Järveoja holds third place with approximately 180 points, amassed alongside from 2018 onward with and Hyundai, where their precise pace notes and composure yielded reliable top finishes in Power Stages. Co-drivers accrue Power Stage points on the same scale as drivers, with each bonus directly shared based on the crew's combined stage result, emphasizing the interdependent nature of the partnership in WRC. This system, introduced in 2011, rewards not just outright speed but also consistency across a career, as seen in these top pairings that leveraged team resources and experience to build substantial totals over multiple seasons.

Most Points in a Season

The Power Stage bonus points system, awarding 5-4-3-2-1 points to the top five finishers, has enabled drivers to accumulate significant totals in a single season since its introduction in 2017. The record for the most Power Stage points in a season stands at 50, achieved by Kalle Rovanperä during the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship. Rovanperä secured maximum points in eight of the 13 rounds, including wins on the Power Stage at events such as the Croatia Rally, Rally de Portugal, and Repco Rally New Zealand, contributing substantially to his drivers' title that year. Other notable performances include Thierry Neuville's 45 points in 2024, where he claimed the bonus in nine rounds amid a fiercely contested championship. Rovanperä followed with 43 points in 2023, winning the Power Stage seven times, including at the Safari Rally Kenya and EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. holds the fourth-highest total with 41 points in 2019, leveraging consistent top finishes on the stage across 13 events. Ogier's 2018 tally of 37 points rounds out key modern-era highs, with five Power Stage victories that year.
RankDriverSeasonPointsPower Stage Wins
1Kalle Rovanperä2022508
2Thierry Neuville2024457
3Kalle Rovanperä2023437
4Sébastien Ogier2019414
5Sébastien Ogier2018375
Prior to 2017, the Power Stage awarded only 3-2-1 points to the top three, limiting seasonal maximums to 39 over a full 13-round calendar. The highest under this system was 28 points by Sébastien Ogier in 2013, reflecting fewer opportunities for bonus accumulation compared to the expanded modern format. Co-drivers receive identical bonus points to their drivers, so records are shared accordingly, with Jonne Halttunen partnering Rovanperä for the 2022 mark.

References

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