Todt, Lauda support 'double points' rule

Dec.27 (GMM) Not everyone in formula one is opposed to the sport's new 'double points' innovation.

In fact, even the president of F1's governing FIA is not sure what all the fuss is about, as speculation increases that the rule could even be repealed.

"Well, so much is said, but really it's not such a dramatic change," Jean Todt told the Spanish sports daily AS.

"For me, the introduction of the new 1.6 litre engine with a 40 per cent fuel reduction is much more important. And our priority is to reduce costs.

"I think the change of points in one race is not a revolution," the Frenchman insisted. "It's a small change and nothing more."

And even Mercedes' powerful duo, chairman Niki Lauda and sporting boss Toto Wolff, are not opposed to the rule that aims to keep the title alive by awarding double points in the Abu Dhabi finale.

Triple world champion Lauda even told Speed Week that he backs Bernie Ecclestone's idea to expand the double points beyond the 2014 finale.

"More bonus points should be given in the last third of the season," he said.

Wolff agreed: "A (higher) distribution (of points) for regions or continents would make sense."

Meanwhile, Wolff revealed that Lewis Hamilton has applied to the FIA to race his lucky number 44 for the rest of his F1 career.