From GMM

Sebastian Vettel agrees with Norbert Haug that the changes to F1's scoring system for 2010 are not as radical as was interpreted by some.

Mercedes' competition boss Haug said earlier this month:"As before, second place receives 80 per cent of the points of the winner, and third place gets 60 per cent (of the winner's points)," he said.

Red Bull driver Vettel agrees. "The points system is not changing too much," said the 22-year-old German. "If you look at the last three or four years, the old system and the new system would have always given the same world champion."

Instead of awarding 10, 8 and 6 points to the podium-getters, the top three will receive 25, 20 and 15 points respectively in 2010. Points will now be awarded to the top ten finishers, rather than only to the top eight under the previous system.

Meanwhile, Jean Todt has vowed to continue Max Mosley's efforts to reduce costs in formula one. "F1 is too expensive," the new FIA president said in an interview with France's Le Figaro daily.

"I am sad that Honda, BMW and Toyota have left, but when one spends enormous amounts of money without the desired results, it is inevitable. On the other hand, it is great that new teams are coming in," said the 63-year-old.

Todt agrees with Mosley that the cost measures introduced this year "are not sufficient" and blames the political conflict, but clarifies that he is opposed to the "strict limitations of budgets".

"But if we want to sustain F1, we need a true awakening and fundamental decisions," said Todt. "Automobile sport must adapt to its time."

He also said it is regrettable that, due to an unanimous agreement of the FOTA alliance, KERS will not be seen in formula one in 2010.

"I have therefore decided to create a working group," said Todt, explaining that former Ferrari engine boss Gilles Simon will lead the work on F1's exploration of new technologies and the environment.