RBS ambassador Sir Jackie Stewart is one of the most respected figures in Formula One. In the first of his exclusive columns for RBS World of Sport, read what he has to say about the new season, the new rules – and the sport's burning issues.
It's the dawning of a new season and the F1 teams are well advanced in their preparations. Many teams have been unveiling their new creations, and pre-season testing has started in Spain and the south of France.
There are also new regulations to consider - something that happens at the start of most seasons. However, there is one for 2008 that is of considerable importance…
It has the potential to heighten the excitement for spectators, both live at the race track and on television. I'm talking, of course, about the removal of traction-control.
It's something that has been much-speculated about for a good many years, to try and create more driver influence, and open the window for more passing opportunities.
Particularly in wet conditions, the degree of delicacy and skill that certain drivers are capable of (or not) will provide more chances for slight errors to be made.
Therefore, the more sensitive-footed might be more capable of cutting through the field. It could make the difference between being on the podium or not.
We've had traction-control for too many years (banned in 1993 but reintroduced in 2001). With 700 horse-power, it does indeed take a delicate touch to get the best out of the car, and this ban is one of the ways that we'll sort the men out from the boys.
Meanwhile, the debate about the so-called McLaren 'spying affair' has continued through the off-season, with many people still talking about what they feel was a ridiculous $100m fine… Particularly when Renault also received (or so it's reported) inappropriate information, and were not given a financial penalty or, indeed, subjected to any other disciplinary action.
In fact, the governing body of our sport has been much-criticised over recent months, with the idea of cost-cutting and budget caps promoted by the president of the FIA, Max Mosley attracting much media attention. He has suggested that the value of driver contracts should be limited, and that other controls should be placed on spending within the teams.
This is, I believe, a questionable approach.
Private enterprise usually has to make its own cost controls in order to achieve profit or loss, and financial commitments are often required to achieve performance.
The leading teams are capable of attracting large, multi-national corporations as sponsors, and that can indeed lead to enhanced performance. But it works both ways, and enhanced performance has to be delivered in return for that financial commitment.
Less successful teams often find themselves in that position because they've not had the ability to put their own financial house in order. Success in motorsport, and in Formula One in particular, has historically been driven by finding new ways of doing business to improve financial viability and enhance performance in all areas.
If you can find the money, you spend the money. This is one of the hallmarks of Formula One.
Many comments have also been made recently that while teams are being asked to cut costs, the governing body of the sport has increased the cost of drivers' super licences by a hideous amount - way beyond the current rate of inflation.
Last season a driver's super licence cost EUR 1690, plus EUR 447 per point won in the Championship. This season, it will costs EUR 10,000 plus EUR 2000 per point.
To put that into perspective, if world champion Kimi Raikkonen wins the same number of points in 2008 as he won last season, his super licence will cost EUR 230,000. That's a jump of nearly EUR 200,000 - or 700 per cent.
High achievers will be penalised and, as past driver, I don't think it's fair.
Distractions like this overshadow our sport. Last season's driver's championship was one of the hardest-fought for years. And yet, the competition on the track was unquestionably damaged by the off-track turmoil that attracted such global attention.
As we prepare to welcome a new season, I believe it is more important than ever that F1 is governed in a fashion that is transparent and produces confidence among everyone who participates in the sport, supports it financially, or simply views it live or on television.
Then, we can get on with enjoying the sport so many of us love.
Sir Jackie's Diary - April