The FIA votes on the revision of the points system

The FIA is expected to decide today during a meeting of its World Council on a revision of the points structure in Formula 1 as well as new cost-cutting measures.

Officially presented to the FIA by the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), this new points system would favor the driver who secured the most victories. It would be distributed as 12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1 points.

The World Motor Sport Council will now review the document and proceed with a vote on whether or not to adopt it in 2009.

The FOTA put forward the idea of changing the points system following a study conducted among fans. McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh, who heads the FOTA’s sporting direction, stated that it is essential for the sport’s followers to be heard.

« What the FOTA felt after conducting a very thorough survey of the public should not be ignored. »

« The FOTA has unanimously decided on the proposals to be implemented this year. We must now work with the commercial rights holder and the FIA to obtain their approval on this proposal. »

It is the points system that holds the greatest interest for F1 fans, but the most important announcement of the day should concern new cost-reduction measures.

Although no details have been revealed, these new rules would relate more to standardizations, further reductions in testing, and the establishment of a budget cap.

FIA president Max Mosley stated last month that due to the global economic crisis, it was essential for the governing body to act quickly.