F1: Engineers warn of hackers danger

Formula One engineers are worried new technology could leave cars vulnerable to remote control by hackers.

Rule changes mean technicians can use computers to tweak cars electronically, without the need for a pit stop. But teams fear this could allow unauthorised parties to sabotage cars while they are on the track.

Williams team chief operations engineer Sam Michael said: "There's potential that if your system's not coded properly, you could have a situation where it gets false messages. If it happened, the biggest danger you would have is a change on the engine side - detonating the engine."

The technology - called bi-directional telemetry - was banned in 1993, but Formula One's governing body has voted to reintroduce it this year. Engineers gain remote access to cars via an aerial that sends data through a microwave link back to computers in the pits.

The data is assessed and engineers decide if any changes should be made to key areas such as differential and traction control, power, fuel and oil consumption.

The driver is warned of any changes from the pit via a display on his steering wheel, then presses a button to acknowledge the changes being made.

Jordan team technician Gilles Flaire, a former French secret service agent, believes there's potential for race day disaster.

He said in an interview with Sport Auto Moto magazine: "If the bi-directional telemetry allows those in the pits to control essential parameters of the car, it will be possible to interfere in the systems through devious methods."