FORMULA ONE is in grave danger of becoming a laughing stock after the controversial new scoring system was abandoned last week.

Everyone involved in the sport thought Bernie Ecclestone's plan to give the world crown to the driver with most race wins was rubbish - but it was still voted in by the sport's bigwigs.

However, no-one had read the rule book properly - because that states that such a change can only be made if all the teams agree. And - surprise, surprise - they didn't!

The Formula One Teams Association met on Friday and voted to go back to the old system, which sees the title given to the driver with most points.

The teams released a statement saying: "It is too late for FIA to impose a change for the 2009 season that has not obtained the unanimous agreement of all the competitors properly entered into the 2009 Formula 1 Championship.

"FOTA had made a proposal that was carefully based on the results of a global audience survey, which allowed listening to preferences of the public, all the teams firmly believe that these indications should be properly taken into account."

The new system, under which Lewis Hamilton would have lost out last season to Felipe Massa, is now due to come in from 2010.

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BRUNO SENNA - fun

FORMULA ONE reject Bruno Senna is set to join DTM this season, just as I told you he would two weeks ago.

After a week of testing for Mercedes at Hockenheim, the Brazilian is set to seal a deal after being snubbed by the Brawn GP F1 team.

Senna, nephew of legendary F1 driver Ayrton, said: "It has been fun so far and I have enjoyed getting onto the pace quite quickly in this car.

"I don't underestimate the level of competition in the DTM though. It is a great series, high-profile and good wheel-to-wheel racing.

"There is much to discuss but that close racing and focus on outright speed in this category could suit me very well and could certainly be one new experience that can add value to my career as I aim for F1 in the future."

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GT CASH HANDOUT

CASH-STRAPPED FIA GT teams are to get a handout from the sport's bosses.

The series has put aside £600,000 to give each of the 24 teams a £25,000 handout to help cope with rising costs.

Stephane Rate, head of series organiser SRO, said: "It was essential to find resources to contribute to the budget of the teams and to help to secure grids similar to those seen in recent seasons of the FIA GT Championships

"This is the first time that such a large budget will be awarded to GT teams in Europe and the proof that, despite the difficult economic environment, SRO is continuing to build up GT racing into an increasingly professional sport."

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FRIDAY FRY DAY FOR MOTOGP

MOTOGP bosses are planning to cut costs by axing Friday testing completely from next season.

Friday morning sessions have already been cancelled this season and Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta wants to reduce budgets even further by banning teams from using spare bikes.

He said: "We'll surely cancel Fridays, which will be dedicated to promotional activity. There won't be spare bikes anymore, and we'll talk about the possibility of using the same engine for three races.

"We must take these measures to reduce the costs, there is no other reason. Our objective is that we deliver the maximum spectacle for the costs.

"We don't know how long the crisis will last, and 2010 could be even tougher, but I have faith in the strength of this sport.. I'm almost certain that next year we'll have 20 riders on the track out of a maximum which I feel should be 22."

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