Rio De Janeiro, Apr 01: World champion Michael Schumacher admits he is pleased Formula One chiefs have decided to delay a ban on driver aids until next season. Electronic launch control, traction control and fully-automatic gearboxes were due to be banned from the British Grand Prix on 20 July. However, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced last week that the systems could remain until the start of next season.
"I have never hidden my opinion about electronic aids," the German driver said ahead of Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix. "I like them because they give the driver the possibility to fully exploit the potential of the car and you don't have to compromise anything.
"I think that it is reasonable that the ban has been put back to next season. It is better to prepare yourself for the new system in good time." Schumacher, who has failed to finish on the podium in two races so far this year in the worst start of his career, also said he preferred the old system of qualifying.
"Everyone has his own idea as to which direction the rule changes should go. In the end, it depends on what they are aimed at doing; in my opinion, this hasn't been clarified yet," said Schumacher.
"Personally, I preferred the old way; maybe because I grew up with that system.
"The younger drivers who know only this new qualifying style will perhaps see things in a completely different way. I will race, anyway, under whatever rules they decide." Bureau Report