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Mark Hughes: F1's Inside Line

"Stability control would work its evil at the heart of where good drivers are separated from great drivers"

Autosport Magazine Apr 11, 2007, 2:36 PM

Great! Formula 1 has finally bitten the bullet on traction control. The newly published 2008 technical regulations stipulate both a standard ECU and that "no car may be equipped with a system or device which is capable of preventing the driven wheels from spinning under power or of compensating for excessive throttle demand by the driver."

Furthermore, and just to be sure, the regs further stipulate: "Designs or systems which in addition to typical inherent hydraulic and mechanical properties are designed to, or have the effect of, adjusting or otherwise influencing the amount, or rate, of engagement being demanded by the FIA ECU, are not permitted." In other words, even if you think of a way around the ban - that's banned too!