Jan.17 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton admitted on Wednesday that the absence of traction control led to his two visits to the Jerez gravel traps during the final day of the Spanish group test.

The 23-year-old British driver twice beached his new McLaren MP4-23 away from the damp circuit's tarmac -- once early in the day, and once as the session wound down.

The removal of driver aids including traction control and engine braking for 2008 has been controversial, with some drivers concerned that driving in wet conditions is now more dangerous.

"Without these controls helping you on the entry to corners there is a lot more locking of the rear wheels, and when you are on the limit and pushing that is what happens," Hamilton agreed as he faced reporters at Jerez.

"It is so slippery, and even harder without traction control," he added.