FIA issue launch control warning.

The FIA - F1's governing body - has warned the teams that if their launch control systems fail on Sunday at the start of the Monaco GP they will face 'severe penalties'.

A spokesperson for the FIA told the British tabloid newspaper The Mirror: "If teams are unsure about launch control, they shouldn't use it."

The decision by the FIA to impose penalties follows the farcical scenes at the Austrian GP when four cars failed to get away off the grid. The stand by the FIA is also related to safety concerns that a pile-up at the start of the Monaco GP could potentially be life threatening.

Yesterday in an effort to help the team's set-up their launch control systems the FIA permitted them to practice starts at the end of both sessions. A further three practice start sessions are planned before Sunday's GP.

Ross Brawn was amongst the team personnel who praised the decision. The Ferrari technical director said: "I think it was a great idea to allow the drivers to practice starts off the grid. It means everyone can check that their systems are working properly. In Austria, the conditions on the actual grid were very different to the part of the pit lane where everyone practised their starts. Hopefully, this means there will not be too many problems on Sunday."

Meanwhile a number of teams are believed to be following the Jordan example by reverting to the normal manual start line procedures for Sunday's race. The top three teams are thought to be the main exceptions.

David Coulthard was convinced he would be using the device. He told the press conference on Wednesday: "It's quicker, there's no question. To rely solely on the traction control is a slower way of starting for us and I think you have to maximise everything that you have. I will be using it."

Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya also confirmed on Wednesday that his team would be using launch control. He said: "I'm pretty confident that our system is working really well. It's pretty reliable so no problems. We will definitely use it. It's a big advantage for the start having seen the last two races."