The FIA has announced a raft of changes to the way drivers can qualify for a Super Licence following criticism that certain series were given too much importance, whilst others had been completely ignored.
A new system was put in place this year to ensure inexperienced drivers couldn’t jump straight into a Formula 1 car.
Under the system, drivers must have earned 40 points over a three-year period by competing in other categories such as GP2, GP3, IndyCar, Formula 3 and the World Endurance Championship as well as a yet to be created Formula 2 Championship.
It was claimed the system was unfair as winning the F2 series awarded 60 points, whereas the others awarded between 50 and 40.
Under the new rules, those six series will award 40 points each to the champion, with the runner-up spot also receiving the same amount in both F2 and GP2.
Meanwhile the new Formula E Series will award a Super Licence to its champion, but the category hasn’t been included in the points system.
DTM and the World Touring Car Championship have also been added to the list, with the winner earning 15 points apiece, amongst other junior series which award between 12 and five points to their title-winner.
Greater flexibility has also been granted to Super Licence holders which take up an F1 test role. Their points, and therefore their licences, will be valid for a three-year period.
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