Jordan Laments Points System Idea

The new points system, introduced at the beginning of the 2003 season, may end up costing the Jordan team six million US dollars, team owner Eddie Jordan revealed.

The FIA introduced a new scoring system this season, whereby the top eight finishers of every race receive between ten to one Championship points, and only two points separate first, second and third places. Previously, only the top six finishers scored points and four points separated first from second.

Jordan claims the idea to expand the points system was his, however under the new scoring system his team enters the final round of the Championship in ninth place whereas under the previous scoring system Jordan would be fifth.

"It was my idea to have the points changed because I felt it would give teams such as Minardi a better chance of seeing their efforts rewarded," Jordan told The Sun.

"I thought it was a good proposal and a fairer and better way of distributing the points. I was delighted when it was accepted but now I feel pretty sick. It has cost us a bucket full of dosh so I think I'll keep my clever ideas to myself in the future."

Formula One teams receive prize money according to their final standings in the Constructors' Championship. Jordan, with 13 points, is the last among the nine teams to have scored points this season and are one point behind Toyota (with 14 points) and six points behind fifth placed Sauber (with 19 points).

Jordan said the team's chances of recovering in Japan was too slim. "We need a miracle," the Irishman told the tabloid. "Our win in Brazil was magnificent but I'm not a great believer in lightning striking twice."