Formula One news

Traction control ban to challenge at Monaco - Rampf

BMW technical director Willy Rampf expects this year's Monaco Grand Prix to be more of a challenge than previous years, thanks to the banning of traction control this season.

"In the absence of traction control, Monaco will be a very special challenge this year for both the drivers and the engineers," Rampf said. "Traction is all-important at this venue, where accelerating out of so many slow corners puts a really heavy strain on the rear tyres. Only the softest tyre compounds will be used."

"Monaco is also the Formula One race with the lowest average speed, so everyone does all they can to maximise downforce and cooling," he added. "Downforce is more important on this circuit than aerodynamic efficiency. And since on this closed-in street circuit even the smallest mistake can catapult you out of the race at a moment's notice, the drivers have to find a set-up that allows them to steer a very precise line between the barriers. In my view, this circuit should suit us well."

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