Hoping to protect windshields from getting smashed whenever a rally raider drives through thick shrubbery, the FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved a proposal from the Cross-Country Rally Commission to permit bolt-on deflector bars or cables.

They must be made from steel or aluminum and fixed between the front fender and A-post.

The South African Safari Rally is perhaps the most notable case of deflectors being needed. Unlike most races on the W2RC calendar that take place in dunes, it is predominantly in safaris and forests that go through vegetation. The South African Rally-Raid Championship also allows deflector bars to be used.

Windshields, or windscreens, are obviously susceptible to damage from rocks being kicked up as well. They can be replaced between stages in parc fermé with approval of the FIA lead scrutineer.

Other changes that the World Motor Sport Council agreed to include tweaking the rulebook to clarify that the torque meter is only for T1+ cars rather than the Ultimate class as a whole or everybody taking part, and expediting the FIA Technical Passport review process. The latter now allows ASNs (national sporting authorities) to mass complete the technical passport for multiple drivers if they are all driving the same vehicle.

Featured image credit: Julien Delfosse / DPPI / ASO