FOTA calls for points system overhaul

Under proposals announced by FOTA at its press conference in Geneva today, the points for a race win would rise from 10 to 12, with nine points for second and seven for third.

Positions four to eight would continue to score in the current 5-4-3-2-1 manner.

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh said the move was required because feedback from FOTA's global audience survey asked for a greater gap between the points for first and second places to encourage drivers not to settle for points finishes rather than wins.

"Audiences desire greater championship recognition for race winners and our proposal is to offer greater rewards for the race winner," said Whitmarsh.

The proposal is an alternative to Bernie Ecclestone's demands for a medals system for the top three finishers.

The other immediate change to the sporting regulations that FOTA is proposing is to make each car's starting fuel load public before the race to make the grands prix easier to understand.

The recommendations must be approved by the FIA's World Motor Sport Council before they can be adopted for 2009.

"These proposals will be submitted to the FIA WMSC and we seek their support in their endorsement," Whitmarsh said.

FOTA has also suggested that for 2010 more performance data is revealed to audiences, constructors' championship points are awarded for the fastest pitstops at each event, and race lengths are reduced to 250 kilometres or a maximum duration of one hour and 40 minutes.

But the body has not made any proposals for the future shape of qualifying yet, with no changes expected to the format until at least 2010.

"While the audience surveys had no strong opinions on qualifying, FOTA wish to review the qualifying format to enhance the spectacle," said Whitmarsh.