Heidfeld: racing 'more fun' without TC

BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld believes Formula One's ban on traction control will deliver more exciting races next year, after the German became the latest driver to have tried out a car without the aid

Jonathan Noble Sep 28, 2007, 2:42 AM

Heidfeld spent a day and a half at Jerez last week simulating how a car will feel with 2008 electronics.

And, having been sceptical before the test about how much of a difference not having traction control would make, he says he is now in no doubt that driving is going to be harder next year.

"It was more difficult than expected, especially when the tyres go off," said the German. "When the tyres are new it is as imagined, but when the tyres go off for me it is really difficult."

When asked whether or not it will make a difference to the racing, Heidfeld responded: "Yes. I think there will be more mistakes, more overtaking, and more sliding. It is more fun.

"But with old tyres I think everybody is going to need to work to achieve better traction. Ideally you would have a difference between the set-up for qualifying and the race, but unfortunately we are not allowed to do that anymore.

"It is going to be difficult to find the right balance."