Has the importance of starting first been exaggerated because of Ogiers whining about it for so many years? Was it just his way of making him look even better than he was?
It always has had an impact but of varying importance. It counts most in events where road surface is loose and gets swept to a hard base, in events like Australia, Portugal, Argentina, Sardinia and Acropolis, and only when it's dry.
The calendar should include one mixed event too. Tarmac/gravel. The last time they tried that with Latvia (but officially it was gravel rally, so it don't count). I think it was Spain that it was...
If you're not first, your last. Noted* :D:D:D
WRC 2026 Pickems