The FIA has revealed what number of groups had been pressured to switch their F1 vehicles in response to a brand new flexi-wing technical directive.
F1’s governing physique has moved to clampdown on flexi-wings this season and launched extra stringent exams on the eve of final weekend’s Chinese language Grand Prix.
All 10 F1 groups have needed to move harder rear-wing flexibility exams, with a brand new technical directive limiting flexibility to 0.5mm, after the FIA monitored the scenario on the season opener in Australia.
In line with the FIA, nearly half the grid needed to change their rear wings as a way to adjust to the brand new guidelines amid a push to fight the so-called ‘mini-DRS’ saga which has brewed for a number of months.
“I’m hopeful it’ll be sufficient this time,” Tombazis is quoted by Motorsport-Complete.com.
“I believe 4 or 5 weren’t [compliant], and so they needed to make modifications [for China].
“We proceed to make use of cameras, merely to be protected. However ‘protected’ is definitely a phrase I wish to keep away from, as a result of it’s a somewhat complicated phenomenon that causes this impact.
“Principally, we primarily use the outcomes of the load exams and mix that with the digicam knowledge.
“That method we guarantee we don’t miss any tips. Digicam photographs alone wouldn’t solely lead us to contain the stewards.
“They’re extra more likely to provoke a extra detailed investigation, the place we would uncover {that a} staff is utilizing non-linear traits or a mechanism. Then we’d have purpose to report it.”
Alpine had been the primary staff to publicly admit they needed to make modifications, whereas Haas additionally confirmed tweaks had been made to the rear wing of their VF-25.
It’s not identified which different groups needed to change their rear wings, however McLaren and Ferrari had been additionally understood to be within the highlight.
FIA ‘have to stay vigilant’ about groups
Regardless of all of the groups passing the harder exams, the FIA just isn’t ready to take a relaxed stance on the matter.
“That shouldn’t be seen as vanity – the groups are clearly nonetheless making an attempt to get probably the most out of their vehicles, and we’ve got to stay vigilant,” Tombazis added
“Our view is: A automobile that passes the FIA exams is usually authorized, except there are hidden mechanisms or issues based mostly on non-linear properties, temperatures, or related issues. In such circumstances, we intervene.
“In precept, we’d by no means report a staff that has handed the exams to the stewards. However particularly on this challenge, and for exactly these causes, the principles give us the suitable to conduct extra stiffness exams.”
Extra entrance wing exams are being launched from the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
