Schumacher Needs Weighing Down, Says Ecclestone

If Bernie Ecclestone's latest idea to revitalise Formula One, which has become a Ferrari procession, were put into practice Michael Schumacher would be racing a tank before too long.

The Formula One supremo, in an interview with the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, suggested the World Champion could be made to carry an extra kilogram for every point he held over the field.

He said an idea would be that "for each World Championship point that a driver holds in advantage, to add a kilogram in weight (to his car).

"If Schumacher were 20 points ahead of (Ferrari teammate) Rubens Barrichello, then he would have to drive a car 20 kilos heavier. I promise, there won't be another season like this. Next year it's going to be a good show again," added Ecclestone, who has in recent days been putting his mind to finding ways to liven up the sport.

Ecclestone told the Monday edition of the British daily The Times: "After what has happened with Ferrari this year, we have to put a cap on it.

"We have to do something to keep the sponsors and the viewers happy. If Michael runs away with it in the first two or three races next year we have to be prepared to do something to protect the sport."

Schumacher clinched a record-equalling fifth driver's title as early as July and has run up ten Grand Prix victories this season. Ferrari, with Barrichello in second place after four wins, have dominated the manufacturers' championship from the start and have accumulated 205 points with one race remaining.

Williams lies second overall on 89 points with McLaren third on 61.