No worries over proposed split The world's most advanced race cars take another step up on the technological ladder for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, as electronic traction control returns to the series along with fully automatic transmissions. Drivers are split on whether this is a good thing for them, but it might make the races less interesting to watch for fans.
Traction control uses electronic monitors and controls to cut down on wheelspin.
That used to be the driver's job. Earlier this year, Heinz-Harald Frentzen alleged that the Ferraris already had traction control. But apart from the obvious changes, it will also be interesting to see what effect they will have on tyre performance and wear. Some drivers, Schumacher included, make the case that traction control simply raises the car's performance limit, so drivers will continue to have their hands full. But despite what Schumi says, this move still seems to take a large measure of control away from the drivers and give it to the eggheads in the pits.