F1 champion to be determined by race wins

[March 18, 2009]  PARIS (AP) -- Governing body FIA says that auto racing's Formula One championship will be decided by the number of race wins and not accumulated points.

The current points system will remain in effect to determine the driver's title in the case of a tie, with points also determining the order of the drivers who finish the season behind the overall champion.

The 10 F1 teams were looking to change the points system to a 12-9-7 scoring system for first through third place, from its current 10-9-8 allocation.

Under the new system, Ferrari's Felipe Massa would have won the 2008 championship instead of Lewis Hamilton of McLaren. The Brazilian driver won six grand prix races to Hamilton's five last year.

[Associated Press]

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