Ferrari to bring back pit 'traffic lights'

Ferrari plans to bring back its controversial 'traffic lights' pit stop system for the 2009 season.

After several incidents last year, the Italian team abandoned the unique automated system following the Singapore grand prix, where Felipe Massa dragged the fuel hose down the pitlane.

But team manager Luca Baldisserri told the Italian newspaper La Stampa: "We have analysed the errors of 2008 and improved the system.

"Now an electronic programme will prevent the car from leaving the box when the fuel hose is attached," he said.

The automated system, using sensors and buttons to show coloured lights to the drivers during pitstops, replaces the traditional 'lollipop' approach.