Michael Schumacher has condemned the new Formula One rule which will mean the drivers' title going to the man with the most race wins.

Such a system last season would have seen Ferrari's Felipe Massa crowned champion rather than McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.

Former Ferrari driver Schumacher does not agree with the new rule, particularly with it being introduced so close to the season-opener in Australia in a little over a week.

"I cannot imagine those changes help F1, especially regarding the new system to find the champion," he said.

"I cannot see how it makes sense to eventually have a world champion who has less points than the driver coming in second, even if I also think it is a good move to try to strengthen the winner's position.

"In general we should also make sure that F1 remains the top series of motorsport, displaying its competition also on the highest technology level."

Schumacher has backed Ferrari and the new Brawn GP outfit to do well this season, while tipping McLaren to struggle.

He told his personal website: "The last impressions were showing that we (Ferrari) look pretty good and should be in the position to fight for the world championship titles.

"The picture to me at the moment is that there are several teams able to be in the front, besides us there are Renault and Toyota, and BMW and Williams as well - on the other hand, after Barcelona you clearly have to say that Ross' (Brawn) team was outstanding.

"They were one second in front, and if they can take this into the season they are strong as well - even if probably the big teams will cut that advantage away with time. McLaren at the moment looks pretty bad."