FIA wants research

"Market research is being conducted to gauge the public reaction to a number of new ideas, including possible changes to qualifying and a proposal for the substitution of medals for points for the drivers," the sport's governing body said.

"Proposals will be submitted to the FIA when the results of the market research are known."

Commercial supremo Ecclestone had proposed awarding race winners gold medals next season with the championship going to whoever won most, rather than the driver with the most points.

"I'm absolutely 100 per cent sure it's the right way to go, it'll get them (the drivers) overtaking," the 78-year-old Briton said last month.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton became the sport's youngest champion by a single point at the age of 23 after finishing fifth in a nail biting final race in Brazil last month.

However, Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who won his home race in Brazil, would have been champion under a medals system since he had six victories to the Briton's five.

Under Ecclestone's Olympic-style system, the top three drivers in every grand prix would get gold, silver and bronze medals instead of 10, eight and six points.

Those who finished fourth and below would not get points towards the drivers' championship but their placings would count for the overall rankings.

Points would still be awarded for the constructors' championship.