A traction control system (TCS) in essence ensures the speed of a car's driven wheels does not exceed the available grip, thereby delivering optimum traction. It operates when sensors determine wheelspin and cuts the ignition to reduce power and maintain grip and traction.

As Kazutoshi Nishizawa, Honda Racing Development's technical director explains, the systems provide a new challenge for engine manufacturers, teams and drivers alike. "While the drivers may not readily welcome the return of traction control, for us it presents an interesting new dimension in the management of the engine's performance."

Although the traction control system (TCS) is under the principal control of the chassis manufacturer, the engine has an integral role in its operation. "For an engine manufacturer there are four key considerations created by traction control," continues Kazutoshi Nishizawa. "These are afterburn, fuel wastage, vibration and reliability."

Afterburn is the burning off of excess fuel in the exhaust system. The TCS increases the occurrence of afterburn because when it is initiated, ignition is cut and the fuel injected into the combustion chamber exits unburnt into the exhaust system, where it combusts due to the high temperature. This is occasionally manifested in flames popping from the exhaust which, although look and sound spectacular, are an inefficiency which all manufacturers aim to minimise.

Kazutoshi Nishizawa again, "Because of the increased tendency for the engine to afterburn, there is a higher proportion of fuel burnt uselessly - that is, without producing power - so we still have to adjust our software programming of the engine to reduce fuel wastage."