A new points-scoring system is among the proposals put forward by FOTA as part of their 'roadmap' to both secure and improve F1.
Proposals to be put to FIA following survey
A new points-scoring system is among the proposals put forward by the Formula One Teams' Association as part of their 'roadmap' aimed at both securing the sport's long-term future and improving its spectacle.
The new system, which it is hoped will be introduced this coming season, will hand the winner 12 points instead of the present 10 and is designed to give drivers a greater incentive to race for victory rather than settle for a points-paying position.
It is part of a raft of proposals, unanimously agreed by FOTA, which are aimed at "increasing the stability, sustainability, substance and show of Formula One".
They have been drawn up following a survey conducted by FOTA, in which less frequent followers of the sport were canvassed as well as committed fans.
The proposals, some of which it is hoped will be introduced this season, will now be sent to world motorsport's governing body, the FIA, for approval.
Shake-up
Besides the shake-up of the points-scoring system - the proposal being that points are allocated 12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1 rather than the current 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 - FOTA have also re-affirmed their commitment to cut costs.
Regarding the latter, FOTA president Luca di Montezemolo said: "Our goal is that we have a budget saving from 2008 to 2010 of 50 percent - that's 50 percent in only two years."
For 2010, they have proposed a new, as-yet undecided, qualifying format and also suggested that new point-scoring opportunities - for example, a point awarded to the team making the fastest pit stop - be introduced along with a reduction in race distance to 250km.
A FOTA statement said: "These proposals will ensure the retention of Formula One's unique and essential sporting 'DNA', improve the show for all audiences, reduce costs, and increase the value proposition to the major stakeholders."
Di Montezemolo also hailed the new agreement as "an unprecedented moment in Formula One history".
He added: "Above all else, for the first time the teams are unified and steadfast - with a clear, collective vision.
"Thanks to this unity, all the teams have already managed to make a significant reduction to their costs for 2009.
"And, while we will continue to compete vigorously on track, we all share one common goal: to work together to improve Formula One by ensuring its stability, sustainability, substance and show for the benefit of our most important stakeholder, namely the consumer."
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