Felipe Massa in favor of the medal system

The 2008 world vice-champion, Felipe Massa, supported the proposal to introduce a medal system defended by Bernie Ecclestone, describing it as an interesting idea.

This system would award a gold medal to the winner of a Grand Prix, the second place would receive a silver medal, and the third a bronze medal. Ultimately, the person who has won the most gold medals over a season would be the world champion.

The Ferrari driver won five races last year compared to four for Lewis Hamilton, who was the titleholder. He would have been the 2008 world champion with the medal system. Speaking to the media, Massa refused to say that he deserved the title more than his British opponent.

« Yes, it is an interesting idea, » declared the 27-year-old Brazilian in the columns of the Italian newspaper La Stampa.

« We will see how the situation evolves. I know what you want me to say: That with this system, I would be the champion. But this is a false conclusion because at the beginning of the season, we knew it was the points system that governed this sport. »

The Formula 1’s chief financial officer also rejects the suggestion that Hamilton does not deserve his title because of too few victories. Regarding this idea, he stated on the official Formula 1 website: « I throw this idea in the trash! He was destined to become a champion. »

The traditional points system remains on the agenda for now in 2009.