2009 Rule Changes – Race Wins To Decide World Champion
Mar 18th, 2009 by Haas
Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has approved the change prioritizing race wins over points for the Driver World Championship. According to the new rule the World Drivers Champion for 2009 (and later) will the be the driver with the maximum number of race wins. In case of a tie, the champion will be decided by the point system.
The FOTA proposal for the 12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1 point system was vetoed by the FIA at the motorsport council meeting earlier in the week. The medal system suggested by Bernie Eccelstone was very similar to the final decided system albeit without the medals.
What does this rule change mean to the fans?
If this rule change had happened in 08 it would have meant that Massa would have won the world championship over Lewis Hamilton. We can always argue the ifs and buts, but it would have been a very different season.
We can expect the following changes:
- We will now see drivers in the top three spots not settling for their positions that easily. We can expect them to push till the end in search for that elusive win that can turn the tables in their favor.
- Qualifying on Pole will become that much more important. Coming second wont be very desirable result, when winning was in grasp.
- Rivalry between team mates will become hotter. – If a team is clearly the strongest then which one their drivers will they back? Will they let them fight for the lead?
Which Teams/Drivers will gain an advantage from this rule change?
This rule works in favour of teams that might develop their cars better during the season. Let us say Team A starts the season poorly (not able to fight for wins) and Team B,C & D starts it well. A develops the car well in season and is able to fight for wins say after six grandprixs. Now in the remaining races if A is more competitive than B,C & D then one of its drivers can easily become the WDC. Even if say one of the drivers of Team B ends up on the podium on most races, they wont be able to stop team A from winning.
This rule also helps the teams that arent that consistent in finishing races but have enough to win the ones they do finish.
But all these are hypothetical situations, we just have to wait a week and half to know how this rule will effect the world championship.
