Heidfeld sees abolition of TC as positive development

In the 2008 Formula One season, all cars have the same electronics, which also means that the traction control had to be omitted. BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld is coping well without it, and describes what it has changed on and off the track.

Nick is one of the drivers, for whom it is nothing new to drive without traction control: in his early years in Formula One, the German had to put his faith in the sensitivity of his foot. For this reason, Nick is pleased that the technical regulations have been modified.

"I enjoy having gone back to controlling the car with my foot", says Heidfeld. "It's crucial when exiting corners: you need a great deal of sensitivity to accelerate optimally out of the turns. For the established Formula One drivers this requires an adjustment, whereas the youngsters just coming from Formula 3 or GP2 have never driven with traction control."

However, it is not only a challenge for the drivers. Engineers and technicians are also faced with new challenges: "Another aspect is the tyre development, which has to keep in step with the electronic adjustment because increased slip takes a different and higher toll on the rubber", says Nick. "That's an incredibly complex matter and demands a great deal of engineering work. Banning traction control is just one aspect, after all, though one I very much welcome."