F1 TALKING POINTS.(Fan Guide)(briefs)

Byline: Nigel Roebuck

STANDARD ECU

The FIA has introduced a standard engine ECU this season, which means the welcome end of certain "driver aids,'' notably traction control, launch control and electronic engine braking. The belief is that this should lead to better racing, in that there should be more driver errors-and that certainly will be more apparent when it rains. FIA president Max Mosley thinks it will be extremely difficult for teams to sidestep the rules, but cynical paddock insiders are not so sure. "I think the clever folks will find a substitute for traction control,'' says Jackie Stewart, "just as they did the last time it was banned. It's just a question of how long it's going to take.''

STRONG WILLIAMS

Look for a long-overdue return to competitiveness from WilliamsF1, which has more sponsorship this year than it's had in a very long time. Preseason testing suggests that only Ferrari and McLaren have the edge over the Williams team. The new FW30 car is very kind to its rear tires, which could be significant now that there is no traction control and tire wear is expected to be greater than before. Contractual conflicts prevented Nico Rosberg from accepting McLaren's offer to partner his old karting adversary Lewis Hamilton, but Keke's son is now beginning his third season of F1 and is ready to make his mark with Williams.

CRUNCH TIME

Jenson Button described the 2007 Honda as "a dog,'' prompting teammate Rubens Barrichello to respond, "Don't say that, I like animals.'' Thus far, the new RA108 has proved reliable and more consistent in its behavior but is still nowhere near front-running pace. New team principal Ross Brawn undoubtedly will transform this team over time, but he came to the job too late to influence the car's ...