Heidfeld satisfied with TC ban

The banning of traction control represents one of the major modifications to the technical regulations for the 2008 Formula One season. BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld appreciates the new rules and describes their impact on the drivers.

"This is an incredibly complex affair, demanding a great deal of engineering work," says Heidfeld. "The banning of traction control is just one aspect - though one I appreciate a lot. I enjoy going back to controlling the car with my foot. It's crucial when exiting a turn as it needs a great deal of sensitivity to perfectly accelerate out of a corner."

From Nick's point of view, adapting to the new rules will represent a particularly demanding challenge for the established Formula One drivers. Furthermore, the introduction of the standard ECU, resulting in the abolishment of numerous driver aids, will have an impact on other car components.

"The young guns coming up from Formula 3 or GP2 have never driven with traction control," adds Nick. "Another aspect is tyre development, which has to keep up with the electronic changes. After all, increased slip results in different and higher abrasion of the rubber."