Ecclestone welcomes F1 changes

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has applauded the decision that will see the world title go to the driver who wins the most races. Lewis Hamilton would have missed out to Felipe Massa last year if such a ruling had been in force instead of winning his crown by a single point from the Brazilian.

At the time Ecclestone suggested an 'Olympic-style' medals system, with drivers awarded gold, silver and bronze, with the championship won by the driver collecting most golds.

The WMSC, the decision-making arm of world governing body the FIA, has agreed to a winner-takes-all F1, although there is no provision to award medals.

Ecclestone, though, was happy enough as he said: "If I need a gold medal to win the championship, I will overtake.

"It's just not on that someone can win the championship without winning a race."

Bemoaning the previous points system, Ecclestone told BBC Radio 5 Live: "If you're in the lead and I'm second, I wouldn't want to risk falling off the circuit or doing something stupid to get two points."

If two or more drivers finish the season with the same number of wins, the title will go to the driver with the most points, based on the current system

The remainder of the standings, from second to last place, will be decided by the current points system, with the constructors' championship unaffected.

The WMSC rejected an alternative option from the Formula One Teams' Association to change the points awarded to drivers finishing first, second and third to 12, nine and seven points respectively.

But the WMSC have only tinkered with F1 for now, with Ecclestone adding: "The decision was unanimously agreed by the World Council.

"But we will leave all points in all of the other championships as they are at the moment."