Motor racing-Wings controversy will be resolved, says FIA

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

LONDON, Mar 20 (Reuters) Formula One's governing body expects to resolve a controversy over the legality of the wings on Michael Schumacher's Ferrari before the next race in Australia.

''We have had concerns regarding several teams but we are confident that these concerns will be resolved before Melbourne,'' a spokesman for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) today said.

He named no teams but confirmed that the concerns were aerodynamic.

Eight of the 11 teams warned stewards before Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix that they intended to protest against Schumacher's Ferrari ''unless suitable actions are taken ahead of the race.'' The advanced notice of protest letter was signed by BMW-Sauber, Honda, Midland, Renault, Toyota, Super Aguri, McLaren and Williams.

It said the car driven by the seven times world champion, and presumably also that of Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa, contravened the regulations because the front wing flexed at speed to improve performance.

The letter also claimed that the Ferrari's rear bodywork was ''being allowed to deflect in a systematic manner in order to improve aerodynamic performance at speed.'' In the event, Schumacher finished sixth and the results were declared official without protest.

Honda team boss Nick Fry said afterwards that the FIA would clarify the situation before the third round of the championship in Melbourne on April 2.

Fry also confirmed suspicions that other teams were running wings that performed in a way similar to those used by Ferrari.

''Two other teams are in the same situation, and ironically they are part of the eight,'' the Autosport website quoted him as saying.

''We had a nice conversation with (FIA race director) Charlie Whiting and we took his word that it will be fixed for Melbourne.'' Ferrari boss Jean Todt told reporters on Sunday that Ferrari's wings were legal but ''if there is something the FIA wants us to do we will apply to what they ask us which was not the case today.'' Asked whether Ferrari would take a new wing to Melbourne, he replied: ''We are not in Melbourne. Ask me the question in Melbourne.'' REUTERS SY RAI0016

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