Ecclestone: « A new system in 2010 »

Bernie Ecclestone remains adamant that the ‘winner by number of victories’ system will be introduced in 2010, despite the FIA likely backtracking for this season. An official confirmation is expected in the coming hours.

Last Tuesday, the World Motor Sport Council voted in favor of the proposal to award the title to the driver who wins the most races in a season. An alternative advocated by Ecclestone, head of FOM (Formula One Management).

But three days later, the FOTA (Association of F1 Teams) released a statement in which it challenged such a system. A few days before the start of the championship, it should have been consulted. The FIA then raised the possibility of delaying the implementation of the new rule.

Ecclestone insists that the system will only be postponed until 2010 and will be voted on early enough for the governing bodies to have the teams’ consent.

« This system will be introduced next year, » said Ecclestone on BBC Radio 5 Live.

« It will be a system supported by the FIA and it will be in the regulations. Thus, when a team enters the championship, it will have to follow and strictly adhere to these regulations. »

He is convinced that this method of appointing the champion will improve the show in Formula 1.

« It’s logical, for example in athletics, you look at the winner of the 100 meters not the guy who came in second. You’re looking for the winner as in most sports, » he continued.

« The idea is to have a real champion who has won races and not finished second or third, picking up points along the way. »

Finally, the Briton spoke about the recently approved budget cap that will allow the entry of new teams.

« I hope we can get to 26 cars. The fact that a manufacturer supplies engines to multiple teams bothers me a little. »