F1 medal system 'needs more research'
Updated on 13 December 2008
Bernie Ecclestone's idea to decide the Formula One drivers' title with Olympic-style medals rather than points needs further research.
That was the conclusion reached by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), who said: "Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers.
"Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known."
Commercial supremo Ecclestone had proposed awarding race winners gold medals next season with the championship going to whoever wins most, rather than the driver with the most points.
Last month the 78-year-old said: "I'm absolutely 100 per cent sure it's the right way to go, it'll get the drivers overtaking."
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton became the sport's youngest champion by a single point at the age of 23 after finishing fifth in a nail-biting final race in Brazil last month.
However, Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who won his home race in Brazil, would have been champion under a medals system on the basis that he had six victories to the Briton's five.
Under Ecclestone's Olympic-style system, the top three drivers in every grand prix would get gold, silver and bronze medals instead of ten, eight and six points.
Those who finished fourth and below would not get points towards the drivers' championship but their placings would count for the overall rankings.
Points would still be awarded for the constructors' championship.
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