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Formula 1 will re-introduce awarding a bonus point to the driver that scores the fastest lap, after it was dropped in 1959.
Starting from the Australian Grand Prix this coming weekend, a driver will score a bonus point if they set the fastest lap of the race, provided that the driver is classified as finishing in the top ten. A point will also be given to the team, meaning that a total of 21 points are up for grabs in both the drivers and constructors championships.
A vote was held on Monday by the Strategy Group and the F1 Commission, which unanimously backed the plans through an e-vote.
This concept has been reintroduced to the sport thanks to research that had been carried out by the sport, both via email and the official Formula 1 website.
Ross Brawn said that he believes that this will add an interesting component to grands prix and the world championship.
"Together with the FIA we have been committed to evaluating ideas and solutions that can improve the show whilst maintaining the integrity of our sport," said Brawn.
"We felt that the reintroduction, after 60 years, of a point for the driver of the fastest lap in the race goes in this direction.
"We have been considering this solution - which represents a response to detailed research carried out with thousands of our fans around the world - for a number of months.
"How many times have we heard the drivers on the radio ask the team about who holds the fastest lap?
"Now it will no longer be only a matter of record and prestige, but there will be a concrete motivation that will make the final part of the race even more interesting.
"Sometimes it is useful to remind ourselves of the heritage of our sport to move forward."
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (4)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I don't hate it, but I definitely don't love it. Maybe if we still had refueling and strategies didn't make all car go fastest in the last 5 laps, with cars that are very difficult to pass, and tyres that tend to be fragile. Like that run-on sentence?
I worry that some people will refrain from trying an overtake to gun for the fastest lap, especially in the midfield. But as usual with any new initiative, I really hope it works and that my concerns are absurd.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Well, let's see what this can do. I had hoped for it to just be 1 point, so so far so good.
Dert38
Posts: 377
That situ when u know it's wrong but you need to show it to people xD
cricho
Posts: 80
Very interesting new component for the races. Im sure it will make a difference in positions by the end of the year.
More points for grabs! Hope this will benefit midpack teams.....