Alesi Criticises Current F1 Technology

Frenchman Jean Alesi, who will drive in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) this season, has criticised the way Formula One has reintroduced electronic aids in recent seasons.

Traction and automated launch control systems were allowed again last season after being banned for several years, and the veteran Frenchman, who drove for the Prost and Jordan teams in 2001, has expressed his disagreement with the current technical regulations.

"It is a shame to be on the Grand Prix grid and only have to press a button at the start," Alesi said. "It means you cannot be better than everyone and you do not need to be a racing driver to do that.

"When you are a racing car driver you want to have much more feeling - and the drivers don't have that at the moment. The car is very important and the amount of technology is massive, but as a driver you have less chance to make the decision in the race."

Alesi, who retired from Formula One at the end of last season after completing 201 Grands Prix, indicated team management could be a part of his future plans. Speaking at the Autosport show on Friday, Alesi said he had not been put off team management despite the tribulations being experienced by close friend and compatriot Alain Prost at the moment.

"I am 37-years-old and Alain Prost is 47 and at the moment I prefer to enjoy doing what I like - which is driving," said Alesi. "But if I had the possibility of managing something in motor racing in the future I will see. But for the moment I prefer to drive."