Traction control banned from 2008

After a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) last week the FIA has ruled that traction control will banned from 2008. Traction control has always been a bit of an arguing point and it returned to the sport in 2001 after years of speculation that some teams were managing to find ways round the previous ban.

Because it wasn't really possible to know whether teams were actually running illegal systems or not -- although accusations of 'strange misfire noises' were rife -- it was agreed to reintroduce traction control. With the FIA's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in 2008 it will be easier for the governing body to ban traction control effectively.

"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," states the amended section of the technical regulations. "Any device or system which notifies the driver of the onset of wheel spin is not permitted."

While the fans may appreciate the cars not coughing around like super-charged tractors, they probably won't appreciate the WMSC's decision to continue using grooved tyres next year. It was previously proposed that slicks would return, along with a reduction in downforce, but the Council has decided against that idea.