Champions dismiss driver overload fears

Several drivers have commented that they have become busier in the cockpit with the onset of the new rules, but Alonso and Schumacher - who between them have won six of the last ten world championships - say there are no problems for the drivers.

"Absolutely not," said Schumacher when asked if the extra workload on the steering wheel presented a safety issue. "If you see last year people running one-handed through Eau Rouge, and the same people now complaining of safety, I think it is a much safer rear wing by now to operate.

Schumacher added that he was already used to the new systems. "We know already!" he said. "That is why you do winter testing, that is not a big factor. I think those drivers who manage to enter F1 they are the best guys around and they easily manage to push two buttons in the car."

Alonso said during Thursday's press conference that he had no concerns over using the new devices while driving the car and saw no need for ongoing discussion on the matter.

"Everyone will have a different opinion, in my case I don't think there is a particular problem with the new rules with the things we need to do with the steering wheel," he said. "We are professional racing drivers and we have to work with the team to find a comfortable way to use new things.

"If you don't have time to do all the things on the wheel you don't do it, it is not mandatory. It will take time and for us we did a lot of mileage in the winter.

"I can say for Felipe [Massa] and me we can get used to the new things - they become automatic the things we do from corner to corner and I don't see any particular problem or anything to discuss in the near future."

Nico Rosberg also voiced his satisfaction at the situation: "Right now it is fine. We need to keep it in mind and keep having a look at it, but right now it is okay."