Championship runner-up Felipe Massa has backed Bernie Ecclestone's proposal to install a medals-style scoring system as an 'interesting idea'. But the Ferrari driver believes it is wrong of the media to say he, as the winner of the most Grand Prix in 2008, is therefore more deserving of the world championship than Lewis Hamilton. Massa won six races compared with five for McLaren's Hamilton last season, meaning that if the medals system had been in place, the Brazilian would have lifted the title. "Yes, it is an interesting idea," the 27-year-old is quoted as saying by the Italian newspaper La Stampa. "We will see what happens. I know what you want me to say: that with this system, now I would be the champion. But that is a false conclusion, because at the beginning of the season we knew what was the (current points) system, and that is the basis upon which we oriented ourselves. " F1 Chief Executive Ecclestone also rubbishes the suggestion that he believes Hamilton does not deserve the 2008 title because he failed to win the most races. "Rubbish," he said in an interview with F1's official website. "He was destined to be a champion and it was just a question of when, not if, he would win." The traditional points system remains intact in 2009. E.A, Source: GMM © CAPSIS International
It appears that not everyone is happy about Hambones winning of the championship. Oh well, it s over now and next year it will be someone else. It all depends on Bernies Soap Opera, welcome to the WWWF!
Really dumb idea. Finishing on the podium should be more important but finishing in 4th or 20th being given the same amount of points is stupid. You'll have people making suicidal moves to get into 3rd place and probably cause a lot of accidents. How do you determine what place someone is if they don't have a medal? This system is flawed just likes its inventor.
Just a side question - I was reading an old R & T on formula one, and it showed an article on the British GP where the race consisted of three separate heats. I don't remember the year but probably late 1960s, the Gurney Eagle was declared the winner. Does anybody know how this was scored? Wonder if it was similar to this "medal" system?
