Tell-tale signs

Tell-tale signs

Sir,

Elimination of electronic throttles to ensure Formula 1 cars do not have traction control overlooks electronic fuel delivery and ignition timing manipulation to manage the rate of engine acceleration. Although traction control through reduced fuel delivery alone provides a distinctive tell-tale exhaust note heard last year, clever development using ignition timing alone or combined with fuel delivery should be able to provide traction control without a tell-tale. If technology restricting regulations are to eliminate capabilities of the cars then the next regulations might include non electronic fuel mixture and timing controls (manual!). Perhaps a ‘smoke test’ — break traction with power to the wheels — during the

warm up for the race would be both entertaining and ensure traction control was not in use at that point. A technical audit could ensure that traction control could not be turned on and off by the driver to cover the rest of the event. Rather than limit race car technology in areas where road cars might become more sophisticated, test directly for desired results. To control costs and provide close racing, many organisations, NASCAR, Formula Ford, Karts etc., limit technology to ensure the cars are evenly matched and provide excitement through driving. May we hope Formula 1 does not follow and become technically boring as a result. With CART/IndyCars becoming a worldwide top championship for drivers of controlled technology open wheel racing cars, shouldn’t Formula I be different — and be the top championship for both technology and driving? Wilson Walthall 1220 Arroyo Blanco Fairview, Texas USA 75069