The top ten finishers in a Grand Prix will score points next season under a new system expected to be ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) on Friday. The proposed amendment, put forward due to the expanded grid of 13 teams for 2010, was agreed by the F1 Commission on Thursday after it met for the first time in its new structure since the signing of the 2009 Concorde Agreement.
Under the new system, the race winner will take 25 points, with 20 and 15 being awarded for second and third places respectively. The next seven finishers will score 10, 8, 6, 5, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively. It will replace the current structure of the top eight drivers scoring 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively.
The F1 Commission also agreed the Brawn team will be allowed to change their chassis name to Mercedes. The team will continue to receive payments based on their historical performance. This has been granted on a one-off exceptional basis due to Mercedes-Benz’s long-term involvement and commitment to F1 racing.
The Commission also proposed a number of further amendments to the sporting and technical regulations, which will again be put to the WMSC for final approval on Friday morning. They include:
- A strong mandate has been given to the Sporting Working Group, a sub-committee of the F1 Commission made up of the FIA and F1 teams, to develop detailed proposals to improve the show. These will take effect from the 2010 championship.
- The FIA and FOM will further collaborate to enhance the communication and promotion of the championship to the media and its worldwide fanbase.
Thursday’s meeting was chaired by Commission President Bernie Ecclestone with FIA President Jean Todt in attendance. The F1 Commission is made up of key championship stakeholders from F1 teams, promoters, suppliers and sponsors. Its next meeting will be held on March 10 in Bahrain.
