The MSA British Rallycross Championship will feature a new event format for the 2016 season as organisers look to fall in line with other series.

For the new season, every competitor will compete in three heats with the top sixteen at the end of the heat stages (now called the Intermediate Classification), divided into two eight-car semi-finals. The top four from each semi-final will qualify for the eight-car final.

While there will be no major change to the points structure and all three heat times will count towards the Intermediate Classification, there will be two bonus points for the driver in each category setting the fastest time in the qualifying heats. Bonus points for entering on time and Supercar timed practice have been dropped.

BARC and LHMC will continue to run the championship for 2016 and Tim Whittington has been appointed Championship Manager for the news season.

“The FIA World Rallycross Championship has lifted the profile of rallycross in general, the MSA British Championship needs to capitalise on that now.” said Whittington.

“There is a group of knowledgeable volunteers in the championship, it’s important to harness their enthusiasm together with the passion of competitors to improve the way in which events are presented and develop the championship. Changes in format will make best use of track time and offer drivers and fans more track action. Fundamentally it has all the components of a very good championship, it’s just a question of putting it together properly.”

Other changes for 2016 include a single fuel supplier in the paddock with Carless Fuel (Vital Equipment) providing their services.