Traction control will be banned from the start of next season as part of a rules shake-up aimed at reducing the impact of driver aids in Formula 1.

The decision to outlaw the most prominent – and unpopular – electronic ‘gizmo’ was rubber-stamped by the FIA at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council earlier this week, having been agreed by all teams.

Article 9.3 of the revised technical regulations states: “No car may be equipped with a system or device which is capable of preventing the driven wheels from spinning under power or of compensating for excessive throttle demand by the driver.

“Any device or system which notifies the driver of the onset of wheelspin is not permitted.”

Traction control first became widely used on F1 cars in the early 1990s, but soon sparked criticism that it detracted from the spectacle and diminished the driver’s contribution.

It was reintroduced in 2001 because allegations were rife that teams were circumventing the ban with sophisticated engine management systems.

But the move to a standardised electronic control unit (ECU) from next year should enable the FIA to enforce a ban much more effectively – although the governing body is already alert to the need to close any potential loopholes.

Thus, Article 9.2.4 states: “Designs or systems which…are designed to, or have the effect of, adjusting or otherwise influencing the amount, or rate, of engagement being demanded by the FIA ECU, are not permitted.”

The FIA has also outlawed the use of systems which help the drivers locate the clutch bite point prior to the start of a race.

Such systems were developed to counteract the ban on launch control, which was put in place ahead of the 2004 season.

The WMSC decided against a mooted move back to wide-track chassis and slick tyres, instead preferring to stick with the current 1800mm width dimensions that have been in place since 1998.

Plans to introduce bodywork homologation, whereby teams would be permitted to make only two modifications per year, have also been dropped.