PARIS: Formula One's governing body has announced a series of changes aimed at making the motor sport more competitive and crowd-pleasing.

These include awarding double points for the final Grand Prix of the season, which next year takes place in Abu Dhabi on November 23, and a numbers identification system for drivers which they will retain throughout their career.

There was also an agreement reached to bring in a long-discussed budget cap from the 2015 season although the final details of this have yet to be decided.

The decision to award double points, counting towards the drivers' and constructors' championships, at the final race of the season was made “to maximise focus on the championship until the end of the campaign”, according to a statement from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) after the meeting of its strategy group.

The move reduces the possibility of a championship being settled before the final race by increasing the number of points available to a driver from 25 to 50.

Two of the last four seasons have been settled with a number of races still remaining - Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel won with five races to go in 2011 and with four left in 2013.

For the new numbers system, drivers will be able to choose any number they want from 2 to 99 and they will retain that number for the duration of their careers.

The exception will be the number one, which will be awarded to the reigning world champion unless he opts to keep his original number.

The decision on a costs cap has been seen as much needed as costs have been spiralling out of control over the past few years.

A statement from the FIA read:

“The principle of a global cost cap has been adopted. The limit will be applied from January 2015.

“A working group will be established within the coming days comprising the FIA, representatives of the commercial rights holder (Bernie Ecclestone) and Team representatives.

“The objective of the working group will be to have regulations approved by the end of June 2014.”