FIA Gives Traction Control the Go Ahead

Motor racing's ruling body, the FIA, gave the go-ahead on Friday for traction control systems to be re-introduced in Formula One racing.

But it said in a statement the removal of all restrictions on the electronic control of engines and transmissions would have to be part of a package of new measures to improve safety.

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council accepted the recommendation of its Technical Working Group that electronic systems which allow smoother starts, reduce wheelspin and give more grip in corners and in the wet should be re-introduced for the first time since 1993.

But the working group has been asked to propose rules that would prevent electronics becoming too much of an aid in Formula One. Some drivers fear their skill behind the wheel could become of secondary importance to computer software.

"The Technical Working Group is also required to propose measures which will absolutely guarantee that there can be no additional use of electronics as an aid to competitive driving in Formula One," the FIA said.

If the new regulations are accepted by the World Motor Sport Council at a meeting on March 1, and by team bosses at a meeting on February 14, unrestricted engine electronics may be permitted by the Spanish grand prix in April, it said.

Among the safety measures being considered is a device to alert the driver to the presence of another car in front when visibility is reduced by spray.

Shortly before the FIA released the official announcement, contradicting reports emerged, claiming that the initiative to bring back traction control had been intercepted by a coalition of four F1 teams, led by Ferrari.

Autosport reported earlier today that Ferrari, its two engine customers Sauber and Prost, and Minardi, have all voted against the return of electronic aids, at a meeting of the F1 Commission, held yesterday in Monaco.

According to the British publication, the four teams had voted against the idea "for the good of the sport of Formula One."