"The key word in motor racing is 'racing,'" added the Brit, who has stayed in London while the season starts in Australia.

"And right now there are not enough overtaking manoeuvres in the sport because drivers are happy not to take risks and claim second place because it is only two points less than winning the race.

"What I want to see is the winner of the most number of races as world champion, and second places only to be used if the top two finish the season with the same number of wins," said the 77-year-old.

"The constructors would keep the existing system."

Despite Ecclestone's comments, the Formula One title has gone to the driver with the most race wins in the championship in every year since 1989.

That year, Frenchman Alain Prost won with four victories to six for McLaren team mate Ayrton Senna.

Last year, with a three-way battle down to the wire between Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso was one of the most exciting in years.

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