F1 Medals?

[SentraWV]

Bernie has another "brilliant (http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-medal-system-coming-to-formula-1-ecclestone-says/)" idea:

Bernie Ecclestone is confident his plan to replace the current Formula 1 points system with Olympic Games-style “medals” will be introduced in time for the 2009 season opener.

The F1 chief executive revealed recently he wants the drivers on the podium to be presented gold, silver and bronze medals, rather than awarded 10, eight and six points respectively. The change, he argues, will rid the sport of the situation of the 2008 series finale in Brazil, where Lewis Hamilton was able to finish just fifth and still be crowned world champion.

Yeah, 'cause that last race was just so dull and boring the last two years. http://ide.li/modules/Forums/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif

[RobbieNelson]

I read this and was floored! WTF?


The change, he argues, will rid the sport of the situation of the 2008 series finale in Brazil, where Lewis Hamilton was able to finish just fifth and still be crowned world champion.

Umm... how? That very well could still happen, or am I missing something? How do you determine the champion? I'm confused.

[SentraWV]

Looks like it's winner take all. So, presumably I win 6 events but DNF the other 10 and you win 5 but finish second in the other 11 ,then I win the championship. It doesn't make any sense.

[RobbieNelson]

The latest from here: Click (http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2008/11/26/ecclestone-aiming-for-medals-in-2009/)


F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is aiming to change the way the drivers' championship is decided as soon as the 2009 season, with the introduction of a medal system that would see the driver with the most race wins take the championship.

"It's going to happen," Ecclestone told a news conference. "All the teams are happy and the whole reason for it is that I'm fed up with people talking about there being no overtaking."

"The reason there's no overtaking is nothing to do with the circuits or cars," he added. "It's because the drivers don't need to overtake. If you're in the lead and I'm second, I'm not going to take the risk of falling off the track or doing something stupid to get two points. But if I need a gold medal to win the championship, I'll overtake. It's just not on that someone can win the championship without winning a race."

Under Ecclestone's proposals Lewis Hamilton would not have won this year's championship.

His proposals will have to be approved by the FIA if they are to come into force next season.


My predictions:
1. Lots of people dropping out to save engines. Engines have to last 3 races next year. Why continue the race in 8th spot when it gains you nothing? Why attempt the pass for 7th when it gains you nothing?
2. Lots of damaged 1st and 2nd place cars as they wreck trying to win the race.

I don't like this idea... can you tell?

[SentraWV]

I dunno, Robbie. Maybe #2 provides a good reason for #1 not to happen? Whoever is 10th going into the last last might end up getting the bronze!

But, yeah, it's a pretty dumb idea.

NP: Marillion, Anorakophobia

[RobbieNelson]

Doesn't most of the passing go on mid-pack? Seems like 90% of the time whoever is fastest runs away with the lead. 2nd place isn't anywhere near 1st to even put up a fight. I say keep the current points system and invert the field on 1/4 of the races randomly. Or, keep the current points system and give Ferrari a 20 point head start. Like I said, I'm a Ferrari fan, but this seems like belly-aching over Lewis winning the championship.