F1 teams continue to bicker over technical innovations
Horner was quick to refute allegations that Red Bull are running an illegal damping system
Tuesday, 06, Apr 2010 01:57
By Adam Leveridge
Formula one teams continue to argue over the legality of technical aids and innovative aerodynamic parts on their rivals' cars in the wake of Sunday's Malaysian grand prix.
Red Bull has been placed under scrutiny as questions have been raised over the legality of the team's 2010 contender, the RB6.
Rival teams have alleged that the Milton Keynes-based outfit is using an illegal form of active suspension, which would allow them to adjust their ride-height for improved pace over one lap - assisting them during qualifying.
Sebastien Vettel and Mark Webber dominated qualifying and the race itself at Sepang, however, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was quick to deny the allegations that the Adrian Newey-designed RB6 uses an illegal damping system.
He also vowed to lodge a protest, should McLaren follow through with their threat of bringing a similar system to the Chinese grand prix.
"We haven't got one, it is as simple as that," Horner is quoted as saying by ESPN F1.
"If McLaren have one in China we will protest them, because theoretically they are illegal.
"The FIA had a good look at our car [in Malaysia] on Saturday night and they are happy with it - they will struggle to find anything because there simply isn't anything there."
Reports suggest the FIA is considering allowing a single ride-height change between each qualifying session and the race, however, such a move would require unanimous support from all the teams.
"I would support it, as it would probably save us a bit of money," said Horner.
This comes after Red Bull's chief designer, Newey, raised concerns over the safety of McLaren's 'F-duct', which has been shrouded in controversy since it was first revealed during pre-season testing.
The 'F-duct' allows a driver to stall the airflow to the rear-wing by blocking a small vent with their knee, gifting them a 6kph advantage along the straights.
But despite Newey's concerns, it has been revealed that both Red Bull and Ferrari are aiming to incorporate a version of the 'F-duct' system onto their car, along with additional updates later in the season.