FIA to Use 'Spy System' to Police Electronics Ban

Formula One's ruling body will introduce a 'spy in the cockpit' system to police the traction control ban, Ferrari's technical director Ross Brawn revealed today.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced radical changes this year, including several restrictions on the use of technology to help drivers, to cut costs and liven up racing.

As of the British Grand Prix in July, traction control and fully automatic gearboxes will be banned and there have been some observers who have expressed their concerns over how the FIA will police them.

Brawn said the ruling body will introduce a new device that will be fitted to the cars and that will allow them to detect any irregularities.

"In order to police these strategies more effectively, the FIA are introducing a 'Spy in the Cockpit'," explained Briton Brawn at the launch of the Ferrari F2003-GA. "This will be a monitoring device inside the car to provide data to detect the usage of these strategies.

"We believe it is essential we avoid the suspicion and innuendo that existed prior to the legalisation of these strategies and we are working together with the FIA to ensure satisfactory policing in the future."