Making The Point Against The New Scoring Proposals In Formula One

The crux of the idea and the thoughts behind changing the championship scoring are actually quite good. That is, the aim to create a bigger prize and reward for winning a Grand Prix, which should lead to more risk taking, more adventurous manoeuvres and more gung ho racing, which would no doubt improve the excitement and the spectacle. But the method that is being proposed for 2010 to create this situation is not so pleasing.

First of all there is an argument that championship scoring should not be tinkered with at all. Formula One has just produced two fantastic seasons both of which gave us incredible tense, down to the wire final races, with 2008 being probably the best season climax ever seen.

As the saying goes, “if it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it”. However there is an argument to be made which is, is a two point margin really a big enough reward for winning a grand prix?

When the points scoring was restructured in 2003, many were asking this question, and since then this debate has raised it head from time to time.

Where is the incentive for a driver running in second to really push for the win, take risks and put a bold overtaking move on the leader when the reward for all of this is only two more championship points?

In theory it means second and maybe third placed drivers are less likely to try something ambitious and daring and thus decreases the chances of overtaking, incidents which does nothing to improve the spectacle.

A points scoring system has always decided the Formula One World Championship. The great beauty of the points system is its simplicity.

In a sport that can often be complex and hard to follow, especially for the casual fan, the points system is easy to understand. With the system proposed by the FIA, it seems things may become rather complex and hard to understand, therefore reducing the appeal of the sport to the more casual fan.

A more logical way to improve the spectacle and encourage more daring, gung ho racing would be to have a bigger points incentive for victory.

The idea proposed by FOTA to have a three point advantage for winning a Grand Prix is much more practical. There could also be consideration for other incentives such as a point awarded for the fastest lap.

The FIA should be applauded for making conscious efforts to improving the racing and increase the excitement of the sport. But the new system, now proposed for 2010 is not the right method to achieve this goal.

I sincerely hope that FOTA’s suggestion of restructuring the points, so that the victory is rewarded with a three point margin will instead be implemented. But I fear with Formula One politics and power struggles being what they are, the FIA will be unwilling to choose FOTA’s suggestion over their own one.