Teams divided on launch control at Monaco

The consternation comes after the Austrian Grand Prix 10 days ago, where four cars stalled due to launch control-related problems. Despite the unease, FIA president Max Mosley has ruled out a one-off ban for the narrow grid at Monaco.

"We have emphasised how important it is not to use launch control unless it is known to be totally reliable," Mosley told this week's Autosport magazine. "But the teams know this better than anyone, because if it goes wrong, that is their race gone - particularly in Monaco."

Jordan has already confirmed that it will not use its launch control at Monaco after both its cars failed to leave the line at the A1-Ring - despite the fact they claim to have located and fixed the problem.

British American Racing team principle Craig Pollock, meanwhile, has decided to shift the choice of whether to use it on to his drivers, Jacques Villeneuve and Olivier Panis.

"I think it's up to the drivers to decide whether they are going to use it or not, but if they decide to use it then they've got to go forward and really press the right buttons," said Pollock. "It's probably quite a complicated thing. Some drivers feels more confident using it than others, and I think the decision will probably be made on the morning of the race. It won't be me who makes that decision."

For others the choice appears clear cut, as teams with proven systems look likely to go ahead and use them on Sunday.

"I'm pretty confident that our system is working really well," said Williams-BMW ace Juan Pablo Montoya. "It's pretty reliable, so no problems. We will definitely use it. It's a big advantage for the start having seen the last two races. As long as people don't use it, it's going to be good for us."