Say goodbye to Traction Control in 2008

March 30, 2007

The FIA has came out with lots of changes for 2008 season. Of all the changes that is high profile is banning of Traction Control from next year. Which means, next year the top speed of cars will definitely come down and there would be more spectacular sights at cornering.

Traction Control is used as a performance enhancement, allowing maximum traction under acceleration without wheel spin. When accelerating out of turn, it keeps the tyres at the optimum slip angle.

FIA has also delayed the re-introduction of slick tyres, and made some amendments to the engine-freeze rule by allowing changes to certain parts of the engine. That include fuel pumps, oil pumps, water pumps, hydraulic pumps, injection systems, alternators, exhaust systems, electronic sensors, clutch, spark plugs, electrical looms and trumpet tray.

That means that next year, if Felipe Massa will again face the same problem he faced in Australian GP qualifiers this year, of fuel pump failure, he won’t be penalized 10 grid positions, unless Ferrari again decides to change the complete engine.

The overall width of the car is being reduced from the scheduled 2000mm to 1800mm, which is its current level. There had been an initial hope that a wider car would increase mechanical grip and therefore reduce the reliance on aerodynamics.