What the superally rule states is that a driver is allowed to continue his running in a WRC event even if he had to retire due to technical or mechanical problems. In exchange for a time penalty, the driver would get to re-start the event and even become eligible for points, in case he makes it back into the Top 10.
First introduced during the 2004 WRC season, in Greece, the rule has had its opponents, as well as supporters. Apparently, the former Peugeot manager in the WRC (a position which he held from the mid-80's until his F1 job with Ferrari) was never a fan.
“I'm not a big fan of superally. Maybe for the spectators - if people have been travelling for a long time to see the cars they would be disappointed not to see them,” said Todt, according to Autosport.
Indeed, there have been some occasions when highly ranked figures of the WRC had to retire from as early as Day 1 of a certain event due to driving mistakes or simply mechanical issues with their cars. For example, hadn't it been for the superally rule, Kimi Raikkonen would have probably completed half of the rallies he did in 2010.
“Maybe we can find a way of allowing to test, but to score points once you have retired? I don't like the philosophy, it doesn't seem natural to me” he added, revealing what particular aspect of the superally rule he disagrees with.
However, while admitting he wants some changes for the future, Todt insisted that nothing is in place for the 2011 campaign.
Google News