OCTOBER 27, 2008

Bernie gong fishing

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says that he believes that the World Championship should not be settled on points, but rather on medals with race winners being given a gold medal, and the two runners up getting silver and bronze. At the end of the year the number of medals would decide the championship. The concept is one that goes back to Greek times when the first Olympic Games awarded coins to the winners. This was adopted by the Olympic movement for the games and Ecclestone thinks this is a better idea than points as it would force the drivers to go for victories rather than buidling up points with minor placings. Such an idea would mean that Hamilton and Massa would go into the final race with five gold medals apiece and Massa would have a much better chance of winning the title.

Ecclestone says he will propose the new idea at the next FIA World Council meeting. Points would be retained to decide the Constructors' championship.