Speaking to reporters at Sepang, clearly weary of the wave of criticism the sport has received in recent week, especially from within its own ranks, Bernie Ecclestone asked if those present had any suggestions as to how to improve the sport.

When none were forthcoming, he did what he usually does, come up with a whole load of ideas, some of which he wants to press ahead with and others which are merely aimed at distraction.

We thought it best if we allow you to consider some of the proposals he has put forward.

Points for qualifying. However, whilst the grid would not be strictly reverse order, the faster cars would be required to start further back.

Double points for the final three races.

At least one guaranteed wet race, if only by use of sprinklers.

"Last year we didn't know who the world champion was until the last corner of the last race. It was exciting," he said defending his double points idea, an idea that was almost universally criticised. "I'd like to see it extended to the last three races. Why not?

"I also suggested that we give 20 away points over a weekend. Ten points for pole and ten for winning the race. Then the one on 'pole' starts twelfth on the grid, so you're going to get a whole bunch of decent guys starting in the middle of the field and needing to overtake to win."

He stopped short at suggesting the concept of The Hunger Games could be worked in to the sport but give it time.

Anyway, discuss.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Colins'son, 30/03/2015 16:25

"Isn't it time some ones thrown a net over Bernie and escorted him to the old folks home. Before everyone jumps down my throat, I fully acknowledge that Bernie has made major strides in growing the sport, but lately, he's become utterly senseless. If it were not for his vast sums of money, he'd have been shuffled off to the old-timer home years ago. Rumors circulate about his successor- Just about ANYONE could do a better job."

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2. Posted by Chris Roper, 28/03/2015 21:17

"Seeing as the FIA have introduced so many medical and fitness tests for drivers, with strict rules now governing Super Licences and a system of Points against the Licence, maybe it is time to Introduce Sanity and Senile Dementia Tests for everybody with access to the Paddock and every stupid statement made to the media results in a 2 race gag order, 3 gag orders and your out, even if you do own the rights."

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3. Posted by Mugmug, 28/03/2015 13:12

"As I mentioned in a previous post, a brain storming session of 10 year olds given an ice cream could come up with better ideas than over paid consultants. The money saved ( first class or chartered flights, $1000 dollar a night hotel rooms, lavish dinners, helicopters to /from the tracks etc.) could be used to lower admission , allowing more fans to go to the races.
It's not about coming up with new ideas, it's about dumping all the ridiculous rules that complicate things without really adding anything to the sport.

KISS--- Keep It Simple Stupid.
Bernie has lost it, and Jean Todt has got to go. Somebody has to be accountable for the sorry state of the sport. A good "house cleaning" wouldn't hurt.

I've been a fan of F1 for over40 years and gone to many races, almost never missing practice, qualifying and races . Ever since they went to the new "powerplants" my interest has wained, and I don't watch practice, only watch qualifying when at a convenient time, the same with a race. Who wants to hear a bunch of vacuum cleaners or lawn mowers going around a track. I usually attend 1 race a year, but haven't in 2 years and don't intend to unless they go back to ICE powered cars without all the high tech s**t that doesn't make the racing better, but worse.
I could go on and on but your probably sick of my ranting. Sorry."

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4. Posted by Graham, 28/03/2015 12:38

"it would improve the racing if the cars followed the safety car for the whole race but were allowed to pass. This would stop large gaps appearing between cars and make it really easy to follow. Have 10 pitstops during the race for fuel. Have tyres that would only last one eleventh of a race so there would have to be at least one tyres only pitstop. allow cars to get no more than two wheels off the bitument to facilitate passing in such a tight bunch. An alternative might be to start with a reverse grid and after every safety car the field has to reassemble in reverse order. If there are no accidents we have an reassemble-car every 12 minutes. A reassemble-car acts just like a safety car except there is no reason for its existance. Just like F1 The big screensa can show historic films of the 1975 GP season when people used to race."

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5. Posted by Darvi, 28/03/2015 8:04

"Whatever you say about the odious little man, he has a way of deflecting the bed publicity by suggesting moronic ideas and then agreeing to not take them forward. What F1 needs is more strong teams and the wzy to get it is for FOM to pay more of their massive profits to the teams and also distribute the money to the teams on a fairer basis, so that each team gets start money and then the prize money is reduced. This would recognise the cost of competing while still rewarding the teams for their competitiveness.

This way, the teams would be able to invest in the knowledge that a certain percentage of their costs would be covered."

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6. Posted by phantom, 28/03/2015 7:33

"Bernie's becoming a bit of a moron. It's all about money apparently, but I'm beginning to get bored with his balancing act of 'trying' to make the show exciting by diverse means. Let's just do some f*cking racing without a barrel of gimmicks!"

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7. Posted by Abies, 28/03/2015 5:38 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 28/03/2015 5:40)

"If Bernie & Co would stop being so greedy and teams get the money they deserve, and we can race at proper race tracks like in the old days, things would immediately improve !!!"

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8. Posted by Paul C, 28/03/2015 5:31

"Points for every finisher."

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9. Posted by TokyoAussie, 27/03/2015 23:18

"Yes, that's clearly the problem with F1. Not enough double point races and jiggered grids. Pathetic."

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10. Posted by Yeyox02, 27/03/2015 22:50

"Cunning plans???? Yes Bernie, yes. LOL."

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11. Posted by vins0n, 27/03/2015 22:44

"and a rally stage."

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12. Posted by gturner38, 27/03/2015 22:09

"Hey, Bernie. What happened to medals and giving the championship to the driver with the most wins? I thought that was how he wanted championships to be decided, which would have given Hamilton the honors in Russia."

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13. Posted by The stogie, 27/03/2015 22:01

"I would suggest this story was released a few days prematurely. It would be much better coming out on April 1!!!!
Bernie is the ultimate promoter - if they are not talking enough about you just make some STUPID statements. Mission accomplished!!"

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14. Posted by stackvideo, 27/03/2015 22:00 (moderated by an Adminstrator, 28/03/2015 5:40)

"And the ring master screams into his megaphone "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please put your hands together for our next act, The Clown""

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15. Posted by HappyHippyBiker, 27/03/2015 21:46

"Double points for the last 3 races? Why not go the whole hog and have double points for ALL the races? :/"

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Bernie has some cunning plans

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