Massa: New Rules = More Accidents

[Wizzo]

New Formula One rules for next season will lead to more accidents on wet tracks, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has said.

Cars will be without traction control and so-called driver aids for 2008, leading Ferrari to test with retired world champion Michael Schumacher, who is used to cars without aids and set the pace in testing in Spain on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"The fact is I didn't have any experience without traction control and I was rubbish," Brazil's Massa was quoted as saying in Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

"First the accelerator is like a button. You have to be as soft as possible. But from a safety point of view, these limitations on the use of electronics seem a step backwards. In wet races we will have a lot more accidents."

[Steven Roy]

It simply means that people who are incapable of operating the controls of the car won't be GP drivers any more.  How can someone who was in with a chance of being world champion react like this.  Anyone who has ever driven a 100cc 2-stroke kart knows that you have to be very careful with the throttle or it will spin you.  Given that Ferrari drivers drive these  machines on ice every season you would think by now he would be capable of operating an accelerator.

[SennaMan]

well it will certainly separate the men from the boys - the ones who can really drive with the 'seat of their pants' from the "PLAYSTATION" 'press-on-regardless' ones

will be interesting to see the drivers who make the grade and those who may have to learn or relearn new skills

any thoughts on who may struggle?

as for accidents, I think there will be less

[Dare]

I don't think it will make that big of a difference.They
are susposedly the best drivers in the world with plenty
of testing coming up.

That being said,drivers like Alonso and Kubica would
have to alter their aggressive styles

[cosworth151]

One driver I think might benefit from the change is Sebastian Bourdais. He's proven himself quite capable of handling high powered cars with no TC. Most of the newcomers, like Hamilton, Vettel, Kubica and Nakajima came from GP2, without TC but also with much less power and torque.

I'm looking forward to it. It will be fun to see who can do what without the computer's help.

[Ian]

Amen to that Cos, can't wait for the new season. Only 4 mths to go.