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New Point System in Formula 1, Approved by the FOTA

According to McLaren's new team boss Martin Whitmarsh, the meeting within the Formula One Teams Association members this Wednesday was focused on changes that could make the sport more attractive for the fans. Although certain cost-reduction issues have been brought up, the FOTA meeting focused more on changing the qualifying format and point system, therefore providing a spectacle boost for the seasons to come.

As reported by autosport.com, it seems the Geneva meeting yesterday led to one definite result: the changing of the current point system. The new calculation of points will not be based on Bernie Ecclestone's hilarious medals system, but would feature the following format:

The race winner will get 12 points, runner-up will get 9 and 3rd place will have to settle for 7 points. The rest of the field will be awarded 5-4-3-2-1 points respectively. As before, only the Top 8 drivers will make the scoreboard during the race.

“We have to look at how to improve the spectacle of the sport, and we have to make sure we make those decisions in a considered way. There have been a number of different surveys that are interesting and given us information,” said Whitmarsh on FOTA's meeting yesterday.

“Audiences desire greater championship recognition for race winners and our proposal is to offer greater rewards for the race winner. These proposals will be submitted to the FIA WMSC and we seek their support in their endorsement” added the McLaren boss, who also suggested the FOTA is looking on new ways to change the qualifying format for the years to come.

The revised point system is to be introduced, if approved, from as early as 2009.
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