FORUMula1.com

[Jensonb]

That's odd, I'm sure somebody already pulled the exact same stunt last year and got away with it.

not sure I get what you saying. a little mclaren bias maybe ?

I'm sorry, what? I'm saying as I understand it someone developed that idea already and it passed scrutineering many times in the past. It's odd to rule it out now.

[antoniob]

That's odd, I'm sure somebody already pulled the exact same stunt last year and got away with it.

not sure I get what you saying. a little mclaren bias maybe ?

I'm sorry, what? I'm saying as I understand it someone developed that idea already and it passed scrutineering many times in the past. It's odd to rule it out now.

they say the access hole for the starter has now been made a lot bigger than it should be. I guess it now becomes another "exhaust port " in the diffuser's makeup. I figure they simply want to make sure there no more loopholes in the regs that can be exploited. the next thing will be to ban the diffuser altogether which is the plan for 2011 I think.

[Jensonb]

That's odd, I'm sure somebody already pulled the exact same stunt last year and got away with it.

not sure I get what you saying. a little mclaren bias maybe ?

I'm sorry, what? I'm saying as I understand it someone developed that idea already and it passed scrutineering many times in the past. It's odd to rule it out now.

they say the access hole for the starter has now been made a lot bigger than it should be. I guess it now becomes another "exhaust port " in the diffuser's makeup. I figure they simply want to make sure there no more loopholes in the regs that can be exploited. the next thing will be to ban the diffuser altogether which is the plan for 2011 I think.

I'm aware of what they're saying, and what is planned.

[antoniob]

That's odd, I'm sure somebody already pulled the exact same stunt last year and got away with it.

not sure I get what you saying. a little mclaren bias maybe ?

I'm sorry, what? I'm saying as I understand it someone developed that idea already and it passed scrutineering many times in the past. It's odd to rule it out now.

they say the access hole for the starter has now been made a lot bigger than it should be. I guess it now becomes another "exhaust port " in the diffuser's makeup. I figure they simply want to make sure there no more loopholes in the regs that can be exploited. the next thing will be to ban the diffuser altogether which is the plan for 2011 I think.

I'm aware of what they're saying, and what is planned.

As I expected you would..

[Cubejam]

I saw the same post on espn.

[Gaz]

yeh not sure about ESPN's sources as Autosport are not reporting this.

I did read that Mclaren were told to make changes to the diffuser when it was checked in testing so i can't imagine them just ingnoring the FIA.

[scotty]

Well, there definitely is something to this, but nothing may come of it. We'll find out soon anyway:

FIA to clarify double diffuser issue

By Jonathan Noble Monday, March 15th 2010, 09:22 GMT

The FIA is set to issue a clarification about double diffuser designs prior to the Australian Grand Prix, following concerns about a number of teams exploiting the area for added performance.

FIA's technical chief Charlie Whiting inspected all the cars at the Bahrain Grand Prix and AUTOSPORT understands that there is some unease about teams utilising start motor holes to make their diffusers more effective.

F1's technical regulations state that a hole can exist in the diffuser to allow access for an engine start motor. Article 3.12.7 states: "A single break in the surface is permitted solely to allow the minimum required access for the device referred to in Article 5.15. [supposed to refer to starter motor, although this is Article 5.16]".

There is no definition of what the 'minimum' requirement is though - and some teams have used exotically shaped starter motors to allow themselves to fit sculpted holes in the diffuser that produce an aerodynamic benefit.

It is understood talks took place between the FIA and at least three teams - including McLaren and Mercedes GP – to sort out the matter. The governing body believes that the outfits are exploiting the rules with what they are doing – even if they are not strictly going against the regulations.

Sources suggest that a clarification will be issued by the FIA prior to the Australian Grand Prix. Reports which suggest the designs had definitely been outlawed are believed to be wide of the mark.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said about the situation: "I think Charlie came came down and looked at all the cars in that area, but I am not aware that anyone had any action taken against them over it. There were some concerns expressed.

"There is a discussion between all the teams about what we are going to do. There are holes in the diffuser for the starter, the hole in ours is no bigger than the one on the championship winning car last year. And also no bigger than it is on about four other cars."

[bud]

I dont think its going to be that big of an issue though Scotty. Not like last year with DDD saga.

[scotty]

I dont think its going to be that big of an issue though Scotty. Not like last year with DDD saga.

Nah me neither - "the hole in ours is no bigger than the one on the championship winning car last year" says it all.

[scotty]

Turns out there was something to it after all...

FIA closes rear diffuser loophole

By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 19th 2010, 11:02 GMT

McLaren, Mercedes GP and at least two other teams will have to make modifications to their diffuser designs in time for the Australian Grand Prix, AUTOSPORT has learned, after the FIA told them that it is clamping down on a loophole being used by the outfits.

Discussions took place between the FIA and representatives from four teams over the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix weekend about the size of starter motor holes in their diffusers.

The size of their starter motor holes was believed to be excessively wide, which, although not in breach of the regulations, was reckoned to be going against the spirit of the rules.

F1's technical regulations state that a hole can exist in the diffuser to allow access for an engine starter motor - although there are no strict dimensions laid down.

Article 3.12.7 states: "A single break in the surface is permitted solely to allow the minimum required access for the device referred to in Article 5.15. [supposed to refer to starter motor, although this is Article 5.16]."

There is no specific definition of what the 'minimum' size is though - so some teams have been using exotically shaped starter motors to allow themselves to feature wide-shaped holes in the diffusers. This concept was pioneered by Brawn GP in 2009.

Such a hole in the diffuser helps create another tunnel for air to flow through - which as well as helping to produce more downforce, also ensures such downforce is more consistent throughout a lap - especially under braking, when the rear of the car rises up and the airflow can stall.

The FIA inspected the diffuser designs in Bahrain and promised to issue a clarification about the matter after the weekend had finished.

AUTOSPORT understands that the FIA has duly sent a note to all teams, laying down strict dimensions for not only a maximum diameter for the holes but also for a maximum projected area.

It is believed that McLaren, Mercedes and two other teams - believed to be Renault and Force India - will now have to make modifications to their diffuser designs in this area prior to the next race in Melbourne.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said in Bahrain last weekend that his team was one of many that was under investigation over the matter.

"There are holes in the diffuser for the starter, the hole in ours is no bigger than the one on the championship winning car last year," he said. "And also no bigger than it is on about four other cars."

Not good for their chances then... although if the other two teams are indeed Renault and Force India, it bodes well for Williams being able to leapfrog them up into those points places.

[bud]

doubt this makes much differences anyways to their overall package.

[scotty]

Depends how much that hole has been reduced by really. I just heard elsewhere that Red Bull might be one of the 'other two' teams instead, i guess we'll find out for definite in due course.

[ChOnG]

Could be a bigger problem then we all think, we seen how long it took certain teams to catch up last year with a diffusor. Redbull for example had to redesign there whole rear end. Dont think teams will be happy that they have been cleared to race before season and now suddenly change rules.

[kerc]

I'm sick of all this nit-picking in F1.

[scotty]

Could be a bigger problem then we all think, we seen how long it took certain teams to catch up last year with a diffusor. Redbull for example had to redesign there whole rear end. Dont think teams will be happy that they have been cleared to race before season and now suddenly change rules.

Just to clarify, this is only one component within the structure and won't, or indeed shouldn't require a complete redesign, it will just slightly reduce the overall effectiveness of the diffuser.