FIA Flag

There are a lot of changes going on in Formula One. Aside from old drivers trying their luck in other motorsports, new teams and the new faces that come with them—F1 also recently changed some of its rules—particularly its points system.

Used to be that only the top 8 drivers were given points, with the points being:

• Race Winner: 10 points
• 2^nd place: 8 points
• 3^rd place: 6 points
• 4^th place: 5 points
• 5^th place: 4 points
• 6^thplace: 3 points
• 7^th place: 2 points
• 8^th place 1 point

Now, according to Formula1.com, the top 10 finishers for the race will be awarded points. The race winner will receive 25 points—that’s 15 points higher than what he would’ve received before. Second placer will get 20 points, and the third placer will get 15 points. The rest of the seven top 10 drivers for the race will get 10, 8, 6, 5, 3, 2, and 1 point/s respectively.

At an FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting, the group agreed to change the points system to accommodate the expanding size of the grid. For the 2010 Formula One Season, 13 teams will be vying for the championship title. That’s 26 drivers attempting to outrace each other to be crowned the 2010 F1 World Champion.

Former F1 Drivers To Assist Race Stewards

With more cars on the grid, it’s going to be a bit harder for the stewards to watch every single driver. The WMSC recognizes this problem and has thus sought out former F1 drivers. These ex-drivers will be assisting the race stewards in coming to the right decisions when it comes to infractions and race incidents. The WMSC also agreed to have three permanent FIA stewards who will go to every single race. An additional local steward will also be a part of the panel.

Introducing: The FIA F1 Ambassador and the FIA F1 Commissioner

Next year, we’re going to be meeting the FIA F1 ambassador and commissioner. One of the members of the WMSC will be acting as a Grand Prix Ambassador. And a part of his job description is working alongside the National Sporting Authority (ASN) and the team organizing the race at the circuit.

The ambassador will also be meeting up with FIA VIP guests, the ASN President, the F1 Management, the F1 teams, and other stakeholders.

Based on a proposal by new FIA President Jean Todt, the WMSC will be appointing FIA F1 Commissioners. At least one of the commissioners will have to attend the race as a representative of the entire F1 governing body. The commissioner present for the race will act as the main contact person for the different event stakeholders in attendance. Aside from acting a lot like the FIA F1 ambassador, the commissioner will also have to manage the development and the going-ons in the F1 championship.

F1 Sporting Working Group—To Continue with Proposals

The F1 Sporting Working Group, which is an F1 Commission subcommittee that’s made up of the FIA and the F1 teams, were tasked to continue making detailed proposals which they considered “improvements” to the sport.

Brawn Changes Name to Mercedes

Lastly, the WMSC also agreed to allow the Brawn GP team to change their chassis name to Mercedes. As was reported earlier, Brawn has been acquired by Mercedes, and will be running under the Mercedes “flag” (so to speak) starting next year. The team will still be headed by Ross Brawn.

Source: Formula1.com

Image: Formula1blog.com