F1: New Points Scoring System Set For Introduction

THE FORMULA 1 point scoring system is set to undergo an extensive overhaul under a plan proposed by the sport’s managing commission.

Taking into account the increased grid in 2010 - which will see 26 cars take part in the championship - the planned changes will see the top 10 drivers receive points.

Race winners will be awarded 25 points for their efforts, with second and third place getters earning 20 and 15 points respectively.

The remaining members of the top 10 will pick up points in the following fashion - 10-8-6-5-3-2-1 - in the first change to the scoring system since 2003.

However, the proposal needs to be ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council during its meeting tomorrow before receiving final approval.

During the meeting, which was the first gathering of the FIA F1 Commission since the signing of the 2009 Concorde Agreement, the decision was also made to allow Brawn GP to change its name to Mercedes Grand Prix following the company’s purchase of the Brackley-based outfit.

The FIA said in a statement: “The F1 Commission agreed that the Brawn team will be allowed to change its chassis name from Brawn to Mercedes.

“The team will continue to receive payments based on its historical performance. This has been granted on a one-off exceptional basis due to Mercedes-Benz’s long-term involvement and commitment to Formula One.”

Prior to the meeting, Brawn GP Chief Executive Officer Nick Fry said he was certain the teams would unanimously approve of the name change.

“Why anyone would not want to wish the name Mercedes, which I think is one of the top three brand names in the world, to be on a chassis would be an interesting discussion to have,” he said.

The F1 Commission consists of key stakeholders in the sport including teams, promoters, suppliers and sponsors, with the overnight meeting chaired by President Bernie Ecclestone and FIA President Jean Todt.