Formula One technology: 2001

Engineering highlights of the recently completed season were the return of traction control, the widespread use of launch control, and the move toward wide V-angle engines.

As the highest technology form of motorsports in the world, the Formula One world championship series has struggled to contain the speed of its cars for safety reasons, while still managing the use of advanced computer technology. Active suspension, traction control, antilock brakes, and fully programmed automatic transmissions were all banned in the early 1990s as undesirable aids that diluted the challenge for drivers. But since the ban, there were persistent rumors of secret traction- and launch-control systems that prevented wheel spin when driving through curves and when accelerating away from the standing starts used in Formula One.

Ultimately, the Federation Internationale del' Automobile (FIA), Formula One's sanctioning body, concluded that, with the sophistication of electronic engine-management systems, it was impossible to police the traction-control ban, and both traction and launch control became legal for the 2001 season. The ban was lifted for the fourth race of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix.