Formula One: MONKEYS COULD DRIVE F1 CARS

Sunday Mirror, Sep 8, 2002 by MICHAEL DERBY

NIGEL MANSELL has added his voice to the growing discontent with Formula One by declaring: "A monkey could drive these cars."

The former world champion was at last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, where Michael Schumacher and his Ferrari again romped away with the race.

It was title-holder Schumacher's 10th victory of the season, beating a record Mansell had held for a decade.

The fear now is that no team will be able to give Ferrari a contest next year. Mansell (right), an ex-Ferrari driver, has only praise for the Italian camp and their five-times champion.

His concern is that today's cars are equipped with so many hi- tech devices that much of the challenge and spectacle has been taken from the sport.

The 49-year-old Englishman said: "I went on to the circuit and took a close look at the cars and I was amazed at just how easy they are to drive.

"It should be a challenge and the ultimate test of skill to drive a Formula One car but, with traction control and launch control, a monkey could drive these cars.

"A great driver like Michael Schumacher still stands out and I am in no way underestimating what he and Ferrari have achieved.

"But even average drivers can be made to look good in these cars. Basically, all you have to do is boot it. You watch them cornering and it's no longer a test."

Traction control gives the cars extra grip on the road and launch control should ensure a near-perfect start off the grid.

Mansell added: "I talked to David Coulthard about this at Spa and he admitted that launch control made starting ridiculously easy. All you have to do is push a button.

"A driver used to be able to get an advantage by setting up his car just right, but that doesn't happen any more."