British F3 introduces controversial points for overtaking system

The BRDC British Formula 3 Championship will award points for overtaking through one-third of its races during the 2018 season in a bid to improve the on-track spectacle.

In plans announced by British F3 promoter MotorSport Vision on Monday, drivers will receive one point for each position gained during the second race of the weekend, with the grid now being formed by a complete reversal of the opening round's results.

Whereas the top eight drivers were previously reversed on the grid in 2017, this year will see all classified drivers flip positions to form the starting order for the second race.

The winning driver of the second race of the weekend will take 20 points plus one point per position gained, meaning that if they started eighth and took victory, they would score 27 points.

"MSV has a history of being innovative to maximise the appeal of motorsport, and with the full reverse grid system, coupled with a carefully derived points system, the BRDC British F3 Championship will produce some captivating racing for drivers, teams and fans to enjoy whilst adding to the learning value for drivers by giving them far more opportunities to overtake and reward them when they do," MotorSport Vision CEO Jonathan Palmer said.

The grid for race three will be formed by taking the fastest laps from the first two races of the weekend as in 2017.

The new British F3 season kicks off at Oulton Park on March 31.

ANALYSIS: An Unnecessary Gimmick - Lewis Larkam

The move by British F3 has an underlying feel of being an unnecessary gimmick. It appears to be an attempt at trying to boost the number of race winners for the benefit of the series, but not necessarily the racing or competition.

It screams ‘look at us, aren’t we an open and entertaining championship’ as the list of race winners potentially grows. Yes, on the outside, its a radical and forward-thinking approach taken by an already competitive and successful category, but it simply isn’t needed.

You only need to look at British F3’s (and the series’ former guise) list of championship winners to see that it has been successfully churning out quality single-seater drivers and potential F1 stars of the future on a regular basis.

But why should a driver who has the potential to dominate a championship and make a name for themselves be forced to start from the very back of the grid at one race each weekend?

The entertainment value might well improve from a spectators standpoint, but giving out added points for positions gained is complicated and likely to result in confusion. The whole thing just feels forced.

It’s a thumbs down from me.