Ecclestone floats radical F1 fix

SPIELBERG, Austria - Former Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone would bring back refueling, give all teams the same engine and introduce a new third world championship category to revive the sport's flagging appeal.

Ecclestone, who was F1's commercial boss and greatest influence for four decades, responded to claims that the sport has been reduced to a Mercedes procession and has become a turn-off for fans.

The sense that Formula One's image was becoming tarnished by the predictability of Mercedes domination and Lewis Hamilton's supremacy in the drivers' championship came to a head at last weekend's French Grand Prix where the Briton won with ease ahead of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.