FIA: Ecclestone idea needs research

Eurosport - Fri, 12 Dec 19:02:00 2008

Bernie Ecclestone's idea to decide the Formula One drivers' title with Olympic-style medals rather than points needs further research, according to the FIA.

2008 Ecclestone - 0

"Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers," the sport's governing body said.

"Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known."

Commercial supremo Ecclestone had proposed awarding race winners gold medals next season with the championship going to whoever won most, rather than the driver with the most points.

"I'm absolutely 100 per cent sure it's the right way to go, it'll get them (the drivers) overtaking," the 78-year-old Briton said last month.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton became the sport's youngest champion by a single point at the age of 23 after finishing fifth in a nail biting final race in Brazil last month.

However, Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who won his home race in Brazil, would have been champion under a medals system since he had six victories to the Briton's five.

Under Ecclestone's Olympic-style system, the top three drivers in every grand prix would get gold, silver and bronze medals instead of 10, eight and six points.

Those who finished fourth and below would not get points towards the drivers' championship but their placings would count for the overall rankings.

Points would still be awarded for the constructors' championship.

Reuters

Comment 1 - 9 of 49

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  1. Just keep it how it is with one extra point for pole­ and likewise for fastest lap.

    From bwosiek, on Sat 13 Dec 8:02AM

  2. Simply change the scoring system to something like 20,­ 16, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 with a bonus point for pole and­ leading a lap.

    From wolfy, on Sat 13 Dec 7:48AM

  3. Can the FIA define public reaction, is that anyone­ associated with F1 or the people that really count the­ FANS. From what I have heard on the blog's the fans­ are not to supportive of this idea so it sould be an­ open and shut case. But, we are dealing with Bernie and­ Max

    From Linda F, on Sat 13 Dec 7:40AM

  4. yes the idea is pretty stupid
    and Never Y get a life­ history has been made live with it massa has .

    From alan, on Sat 13 Dec 7:40AM

  5. I hope everyone thinks it's a stupid idea

    From Andrea, on Sat 13 Dec 7:23AM

  6. i think its a stupid idea to

    From ian, on Sat 13 Dec 6:19AM

  7. I still think the idea is pretty stupid, although­ that's my own personal opinion

    From dalnsour, on Sat 13 Dec 6:07AM

  8. But don't forget Massa's Spa win was rightfully­ Hamilton's.

    From Neil M, on Sat 13 Dec 3:57AM

  9. But what if we use such a system:
    1. Points would still­ be awarded as usual. (10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1)
    2. Pilots who­ are fighting for the title, should lose less than 10­ points of championship leader.
    3. Count the number of­ wins for each pilot in this group, one who wins more­ become a champion.

    From tyomkka, on Sat 13 Dec 3:56AM
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