His remarks came in the context of his continuing campaign to radically overhaul the F1 points system.

BBC: F1 boss wants Massa to win title

The World Council also approved the new points system suggested by the F1 Commission on Thursday, with 25 points for a win rather than 10.

BBC: Formula 1 drivers to help stewards adjudicate at races

The last time a Grand Prix was abandoned due to heavy rain was in Australia in 1991 and it is only the fifth time in F1 history that half points have been awarded.

BBC: Drivers back Malaysia abandonment

Sato is Japan's most successful F1 driver, scoring 44 points from 90 races and taking third at the 2004 US Grand Prix.

BBC: Sato to test for Toro Rosso again

The teams, through their umbrella organisation Fota, have made it clear they are keen to come up with new ways of improving F1 - and that includes considering a new points system.

BBC: F1 boss plans scoring revolution

The proposal to alter how points are awarded came from the F1 Commission, which is made up of key stakeholders from the teams, promoters, suppliers and sponsors, and chaired by president Bernie Ecclestone.

BBC: Jenson Button supports new Formula 1 points system

And Manor technical director Nick Wirth said he was delighted to have secured a driver with a proven F1 record having raced in 36 grands prix, scoring 51 points.

BBC: Glock to lead new Manor F1 team

Honda's F1 team endured a deeply disappointing 2008 season on the track, earning just 14 points to leave them the lowest of the nine points-scoring teams.

BBC: Billionaire Slim denies Honda bid