FIA introduces two-tier cost structure and winner-take-all F1 Championship in 2010

It is unclear whether reality show impresario Mark Burnett is actually the one running Formula 1, but the political goings-on of the series continue to overshadow what happens on the track. The FIA recently published the 2010 regulations with some novel inclusions: a winner-take-all system for determining the Championship (yes, again), a higher weight for cars to promote KERS usage, and a budget cap system that would let teams spending no more than £40 million have more technical freedom vs. the big-spending teams. Follow the jump for the rest of the rundown.

The winner-take-all system was again rescinded a number of days after its inclusion, with the apology that it was "a mistake." The minimum car weight was upped from 605 kg to 620 kg. With the addition of 40 kg of KERS equipment, heavy drivers were being penalized for its use. Many drivers shed weight over the off-season, causing pundits to label the situation a jockey competition.

The cost-cap regulation would create a class of teams spending £40 million, not including driver salaries, marketing, engines, or fines. Those teams could use adjustable front and rear wings, unlimited-revving engines, unlimited out-of-season track testing and wind tunnel testing. Any new teams entering would also get a £6.7 million yearly payment and free transportation of two chassis and freight. (Currently, only points-scoring teams get free transportation to races.)

That regulation caused Ferrari and BMW to hint at quitting F1, and others -- teams and drivers included -- to openly disparage the tiered structure. Teams like Renault, Williams, and even McLaren and BMW support a cost cap, however, they feel that £40 million is too low and next year is too soon. The teams association, the FOTA, is proposing either a £60 million cap for next year, or that a higher cap is introduced next year and drops over the next three years to £60 million. They are unanimously opposed to any differing class structure.

Bernie Ecclestone, of course, appears to be playing all sides: if costs are reduced for everyone, theoretically he doesn't need to pay them as much as they get now -- £40 million probably being close to what top teams get in revenue from FOM. Stay tuned next week when we find out who gets voted off F1 Island...
[Source: F1 Live]

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