Traction Control to Stay in F1 in 2004

Traction control will be allowed in Formula One in 2004 after the teams asked the sport's governing body, the FIA, not to proceed with a proposed ban.

The FIA had planned to ban the use of electronic aids such as traction and launch control starting at this year's British Grand Prix. The introduction of the ban, however, was delayed until the start of the 2004 season.

However, the FIA said today that the teams will be allowed to continue using traction control next season, although they confirmed that the ban on launch control and fully automatic gearboxes will be imposed next year.

The ruling body claimed they had allowed traction control to stay in Formula One in order to enable engine suppliers to offer their power units to the independent teams at a reduced cost.

"The teams unanimously agreed to a complete ban on automatic gearboxes and launch control for 2004," said the FIA in a statement. "The teams were able to demonstrate that the elimination of traction control would involve very significant additional costs for all teams and engine manufacturers. The teams therefore unanimously requested the FIA not to proceed with a ban on traction control for 2004.

"The FIA agreed on the clear understanding that this would enable the engine manufacturers to supply the independent teams with engines at a fully affordable cost having regard to the current business climate. The FIA agreed that, provided engines are supplied on this basis, these arrangements will remain in place indefinitely."