FIA details superlicense points system

Formula One's governing body has specified that exact points system that will make it harder to get a superlicense needed to race in the FIA's top series.

The new system, set to come into action as of 2016 requires a driver to have totalled at least 40 points before being able to gain a superlicense. Drivers will additionally have to be at least 18 years old and must have passed a test on the sporting regulations.

To assign points to each series, the FIA have apparently taken into account the reputation of each series, along with its relevance to Formula One. This mean that a future F2 championship - even though its details have not been confirmed, and GP2, both rank higher than F3, WEC or Indycar.

The changes are part of a reaction from the FIA to prevent ever younger and less experienced drivers to enter Formula One. The most recent example is Toro Rosso's signing of Max Verstappen who will compete in F1 at the age of 17. The Dutchman's third place in the F3 championship earns him just 20 points and would require him to gain further experience first if the points system would be engaged immediately.