 Drivers were awarded points on the former system, simply based on overall finish, from 20 points for 1st place to 1 point for 10th place.After several years of competitive but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to seize the championship, Ford finally gathered its first WRC manufacturer's title.A strong season which included five rally wins gave it the edge over new challenger Datsun, whose 160J (Violet) proved successful, and former champion Fiat.