F1 2009

[Berto Carvalho]

Wins to decide world champion in 2009

Formula One's world champion in 2009 will be the driver with the biggest number of wins during the season, the FIA said on Tuesday

The FIA said it had rejected a proposal by FOTA to change the current system.

The world champion will be the driver who wins the most races in a season.

A back-up points system will be used in case two or more drivers win the same amount of races during a year.

The Constructors' Championship remains unaffected by the changes.

"The WMSC accepted the proposal from Formula One Management to award the drivers' championship to the driver who has won the most races during the season," said the FIA in a statement.

"If two or more drivers finish the season with the same number of wins, the title will be awarded to the driver with the most points, the allocation of points being based on the current 10, 8, 6 etc. system.

"The rest of the standings, from second to last place, will be decided by the current points system. There is no provision to award medals for first, second or third place. The Constructors' Championship is unaffected.

"The WMSC rejected the alternative proposal from the Formula One Teams' Association to change the points awarded to drivers finishing in first, second and third place to 12, 9 and 7 points respectively. "