26/11/2008
NEWS STORY
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Despite a lukewarm reaction from race fans, Bernie Ecclestone insists that he is pushing ahead with his plan to have the World Championship decided on medals as opposed to points.
"It's going to happen," insisted the F1 supremo at a press conference in London this morning. "All the teams are happy," he continued. "The whole reason for this is I am fed up with people talking about there being no overtaking."
Under the scheme. which still needs to be officially ratified by the FIA, but which Ecclestone says will be introduced next season, gold, silver and bronze medal will be awarded to the first three finishers in each race. At the end of the season, the driver with the most race wins would be the World Champion. Had these rules been applied in 2008, Felipe Massa, would have won the title with 6 wins to Hamilton's 5.
While Ecclestone is adamant that his 'new' scheme will encourage drivers to fight for positions, the incentive for such being removed following the introduction of his old scheme - brought in to thwart Michael Schumacher and Ferrari - fans remain unconvinced.
With the introduction of standardised engines, limited aerodynamics, push-to-pass and now gold, silver and bronze medals, Formula One is rapidly becoming A1GP.