F1: Ecclestone's plans to deny Hamilton a second championship

If Hamilton and Massa had finished last season on equal points, Massa would have been champion because he won more races. But Hamilton's consistency won through and his accummulation of points from a range of places - including sixth in the last race which Massa won, gave him the title by one point.

Bernie Ecclestone, the rights holder for Formula One, wants to prevent that consistency counting.

His plan? Medals for the top three places and the one with the most gold medals will be champion. Points will count for nothing.

It's simplistic and gauche, and - like changing the rules to block (obvious) team orders - undermines the entire basis of the sport.

And it's clear who the target is.

Again, F1 wants to favour Ferrari - which has a win or bust style in contrast to the UK based teams' approach of treating the championship as long-game.