Formula 1 News

2009 season starts with diffusers’ design war 

Ferrari, Red Bull, Renault lodged protests

Scuderia Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Renault F1 have officially presented to the FIA their complaints over the legality of Brawn GP BGP001, Toyota TF109 and Williams FW31 rear diffuser design. The three teams, lodged their protest on Thursday after the controversial diffusers were judged legal by the FIA scrutineers.

According to Renault Team Principal Flavio Briatore the protests will be rejected but whatever the outcome of the stewards’ decision, the loosing party is expected to send the matter to the FIA International Court of Appeal and given the fact that the next Grand Prix in Malaysia is planned for next week, the appeal will not be heard before the end of the Malaysian weekend.

Update:

Following a meeting between the FIA stewards and the involved teams, the stewards rejected the protests stating that the rear diffuser design on Williams FW31, Toyota’s TF109 and Brawn GP’s BGP001 is legal and gave the cars the green light for the Australian Grand Prix.

Update: FIA declares diffusers legal