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Coded messages ban could hit world title

Current Formula 1 drivers’ world championship leader Nico Rosberg believes the ban on coded messages could potentially affect the destiny of this year’s title.

Current Formula 1 drivers’ world championship leader Nico Rosberg believes the ban on coded messages could potentially affect the destiny of this year’s title.

Motorsport’s world governing body, the FIA, imposed a ban on radio communication following concerns drivers were receiving too much assistance from their teams during races, including coded messages such as the infamous “multi-21”, a veiled instruction for drivers to maintain their positions.

With the new ruling introduced at this weekend’s Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Rosberg, who leads the championship with 238 points ahead of Mercedes team-mate and closest rival Lewis Hamilton (216) with six races remaining, believes it will be down to pure racing skills and instincts.

“It is (going to be) very, very different and we are completely out there on our own,” said the German.

“We have to make our own decisions and it is going to be a big challenge. There are so many things that they are used to telling such as switching gears, and when to consume less fuel. It is going to be pure racing based on the skills of the drivers.”

McLaren’s Kevin Magnussen also said: “We are very much relying on the information that we get from the engineers so now we basically figure thing out ourselves.”

However, Ferrari’s two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has questioned its logic.

“It is a rule that has no benefit,” said the Spaniard at a UPS-Ferrari event at Clarke Quay Central Mall yesterday. “It is like not allowing the coach to talk to the players.”

Team-mate Kimi Raikkonen added: “You can expect people to have issues because it’s a very tricky thing to get around.” ADELENE WONG AND JEAN IAU

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