New points system approved, ex-drivers to assist stewards 11 Dec 2009
The top ten finishers in a Grand Prix will score points next season under a new system ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) on Friday.
The race winner will take 25 points, with 20 and 15 being awarded for second and third places respectively. The next seven finishers will score 10, 8, 6, 5, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively. It replaces the current structure of the top eight drivers scoring 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively and takes into account the expansion of the grid to 13 teams for 2010.
Friday’s WMSC meeting agreed a number of other changes for 2010, including the use of experienced former F1 drivers to assist stewards in decision making relating to race incidents. A permanent panel of three FIA stewards will now attend every Grand Prix, joined by an additional local steward at each race.
The new roles of FIA F1 Ambassador and FIA F1 Commissioner are to be introduced. A member of the WMSC will serve as an Ambassador at each Grand Prix and will liaise with the National Sporting Authority (ASN) and organising team at the circuit. He will also meet with the ASN President, FIA VIP guests, Formula One Management, F1 teams and other stakeholders and act as an Ambassador of FIA sport.
Commissioners for the FIA World Championships will be appointed by the WMSC following a proposal by FIA President Jean Todt. At least one will attend each race on behalf of the sport’s governing body and their role is to serve as permanent liaison for the various event stakeholders (ASNs, promoters, organisers, manufacturers, teams, officials, suppliers, etc.). They will also supervise the general running of the championship and its development on behalf of the FIA.
The WMSC agreed that the F1 Sporting Working Group, a sub-committee of the F1 Commission made up of the FIA and F1 teams, should proceed with the development of detailed proposals to improve the spectacle of Formula One racing. The Working Group will meet in January and make recommendations for the Council to consider in advance of the 2010 F1 season.
Friday’s WMSC session followed proposals put forward in Thursday’s F1 Commission meeting - its first in its new structure since the signing of the 2009 Concorde Agreement - which was chaired by Commission President Bernie Ecclestone, with the FIA President in attendance.
That meeting also also agreed the Brawn team will be allowed to change their chassis name to Mercedes. The team will continue to receive payments based on their historical performance. This was granted on a one-off exceptional basis due to Mercedes-Benz’s long-term involvement and commitment to F1 racing.
The F1 Commission is made up of key championship stakeholders from teams, promoters, suppliers and sponsors. Its next meeting will be on March 10 in Bahrain.
To view Friday’s full statement from the WMSC, click here.
