Race fans looking forward to the return of slicks in 2008, are in for a disappointment, with the FIA announcing that grooved tyres will continue to be used.

When it was first revealed that slicks were to return, together with a proposed reduction in downforce - courtesy of some serious limitation on aerodynamics - race fans thought this signalled a return to the 'golden era' when mechanical grip ruled the roost as opposed to aerodynamic grip.

However, following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council earlier this week, the FIA has issued revised regulations for 2008, and one of the biggest shocks - other than the banning of traction control - is the news that slicks will not be returning next season.

In a further blow to diehards who sought more reliance on mechanical grip, the FIA has also gone back on plans to widen cars - instead cars will be reduced in width by 200mm.

Furthermore, plans to reduce the minimum weight of cars - another move intended to 'spice up' the action - have also been scrapped with the weight limit remaining at 605kg.

Then again, who wants 'skittish' cars that might end up crashing into a trendy boutique or jewellers in Valencia., Paris or whatever other venue has taken Bernie's fancy?