Less Driver Aids

[Steve A.]

From Spa the drivers are to get control of the cars back, at least on the grid. No more launch systems should hopefully see some interesting starts, and less instruction from the pitwall. For me that's a positive.

[Scott]

I suppose it's still going to be a fairly complicated procedure, but the drivers will just have to learn more of it so they don't have to rely on the pit wall for when to hit what button and turn which dial.  I'm not sure what I think of the new pit-driver communication rules.  I don't think it really ever got close to remote control driving like some of the pundits have suggested, but I think the more skills the drivers have to use, the better.  Should seperate the men from the boys.  How well the drivers learn the launch control on their own will really effect their race.

[lkjohnson1950]

Many years ago, the cars were almost remote controlled. The FIA tried to clamp down, but it proved nearly impossible to police. The teams are really good at hiding stuff. That's why all the teams use a McLaren ECU, to help police driver aids. I won't be too surprised if there are no black marks off the line after a race or two.

[Jericoke]

Many years ago, the cars were almost remote controlled. The FIA tried to clamp down, but it proved nearly impossible to police. The teams are really good at hiding stuff. That's why all the teams use a McLaren ECU, to help police driver aids. I won't be too surprised if there are no black marks off the line after a race or two.

I remember a race where David Coulthard's McLaren was losing power and the engine started smoking.  While he was racing on track the team made adjustments by remote control, and fixed the car!

That was pretty incredible.

[Steve A.]

It is amazing what they can do from the pit wall. F1 is the pinnacle of motor sports, but in my opinion it is the pinnacle of technology and certainly not driving skills. At what point should the technology give way to the drivers and let them control the cars.

[John S]

Good move from the rule makers IMHO, after all it's the drivers not the tech gamers championship that's always been at the heart of F1.

I still have a fear that we'll still get some Benetton style swerve round this.   

I guess however it's similar to drugs in Athletics or Cycling, you will never catch them every single time, but there must be draconian penalties when they do. 

[Alianora La Canta]

Drivers should be doing their own starts. I'm more surprised this wasn't tackled earlier due to the presence of the control ECU.

[Dare]

Drivers should be doing their own starts. I'm more surprised this wasn't tackled earlier due to the presence of the control ECU.

So all the hoopla over Massa's great start wasn't
that great after all

[lkjohnson1950]

Massa made the start, he has to react and tell the car to go. The aid just makes sure it's as close to a perfect start as possible; no wheelspin, no bogging.