FIA approves disputed rear diffusers
Published 15 April, 2009, 14:39
Motor racing's governing body FIA has approved the use of rear diffusers that helped Brawn GP pilot Jenson Button win two of the first races in the 2009 Formula 1 season, AP news agency reports.
The FIA International Court of Appeal ruled that the cars using under-car diffusers “comply with applicable regulations.''
The hearings were held behind closed doors in the FIA headquarters in Paris.
Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull Racing and BMW Sauber teams – who all appealed against the use of the car part by their rivals from Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams – now have to think about redesigning their vehicles.
The car part is used to channel the flow of air from the front to the rear.
The revised technical regulations for 2009, designed to cut downforce, specify much smaller rear diffusers, but Brawn, Toyota and Williams have interpreted the rules differently to their rivals and have adapted other areas of bodywork to effectively enlarge their diffusers.
Brawn GP boss, Ross Brawn, said he was "pleased" with the decision, which "brings this matter to its conclusion."
"We respect the right of our competitors to query any design or concept used on our cars through the channels available to them", he added.
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