Montezemolo tips axe for ’double points’

Luca di Montezemolo, one of the most powerful figures in formula one, thinks the highly-controversial new ’double points’ rule might live a short life.

Reaction to the plan for double points in Abu Dhabi next year, to keep the championship alive throughout the season, has been generally negative.

And Montezemolo, the Ferrari president with an unique veto over key F1 decisions, warned: "I’m not a fan of the double points.

"It’s too artificial," he is quoted by Germany’s Sport Bild. "I would not be surprised if the rule is soon abolished."

Montezemolo revealed that he has been approached by an American group, keen to acquire a Ferrari ’customer car’ and race in formula one.

At present, the rules would not allow it.

"It’s true," Montezemolo said. "We were contacted, and if the rules allowed it, we would like to sell them a car.

"It is extremely difficult for a new team to build a competitive car out of nowhere, so I would like to help."