Formula One news

2008 rules make driver key - Kubica

Heading into the season opening race in Australia in a fortnight BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica has warned that the 2008 rule changes are placing much more emphasis on the driver and his abilities to get the most out of their tyres.

"In testing we noticed that the driver has a big influence over tyre wear," said Kubica. "And that applies to an even greater extent the higher the temperature of the asphalt. Plus, it is also extremely important to avoid straying from the ideal line as much as possible."

"In the past, we could rely on the traction control to keep everything in check if we went off line, and even if you had a bit of a slide you would only lose a relatively small amount of time," he added. "Without traction control the driver has to take his foot off the accelerator to avoid the risk of spinning. And that means you lose more time, of course. As a whole, though, it is not exclusively a question of driving style. The car also has to make optimal use of the tyres."

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