Formula One:The new Formula One season is being threatened by a fresh row and potential protest before a wheel has turned in Melbourne. The latest turmoil surrounds the design of the rear diffuser on the cars belonging to Williams and Toyota, and most notably, Brawn GP.
The remaining seven teams all believe their three rivals have built a far bigger diffuser — a device that aids airflow at the back of a car — than the new regulations allow.
Brawn GP, Williams and Toyota have apparently taken the stance that their interpretation of the rulebook is different, and therefore their designs are legal.
However, Brawn GP and Toyota in particular were noticeably quick in pre-season testing, raising eyebrows and leading to questions about their diffusers.
With the season-opening Australian Grand Prix just four days away, there is the prospect of a protest looming tomorrow once the cars have been put through scrutineering.
Renault boss Flavio Briatore recently voiced his concerns, with his sentiments echoed earlier this week by Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali.
“We are convinced that certain interpretations that have been applied do not correspond to the nature of the rules,” said Domenicali.
“If that extractor is illegal then it must not be used, while if it is legal it’s up to the other teams, including us, to try to adapt as soon as possible, because performance is found in that area of the car.”
Domenicali is hoping the situation does not come down to a protest, adding: “There needs to be a great sense of responsibility on everyone’s part. I hope this issue can be resolved beforehand.”
But there is every likelihood a protest will be launched, as has been confirmed by Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko.
“It’s illegal,” insisted Marko. “We’ll make a protest on Thursday if the component isn’t modified to conform to the regulations, because that diffuser guarantees a five-tenths (of a second) advantage per lap. Seven teams are certain it’s illegal.”
Meanwhile, Renault drivers Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet have agreed to take a pay cut, according to Briatore.
Even the cash-rich sport of Formula One has not escaped the global financial crisis and Briatore has revealed that double world champion Alonso — one of the highest paid drivers — and his team-mate have accepted a decrease in their pay-packets.
“I told the Renault drivers that it would be appropriate to lower their salaries. They understood and we reached an agreement.
“Formula One is in the midst of the crisis and we will try to adapt in way that we can face this situation, reducing our costs.”