Brawn et al diffuser likely ruled out with one week to go

[kalniel]

A few days ago it passed inspection as technically within the letter of the rules, but the FIA seem to have decided to change the regulations with immediate effect:

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/regul...mpionship.aspx

3.8.6 The impact absorbing structures defined by Article 15.5.2 must be fully enclosed by bodywork, such that no part of the impact structure is in contact with the external air flow.

So Brawn, Williams and Toyota have a week to modify (and not test) a pretty major element of the car and the way it works together. Nice one FIA

[dave87]

I think the FIA is the biggest barrier to F1's resurgency as top draw motorsport, which is a real shame as they've got the drivers to make it a rather interesting season...

[kalniel]

Well, I might have been a bit hasty there actually.. while the rules were changed, I'm not sure they will actually cause a problem directly.

[[DW]Cougho]

I thought as the cars had been signed off they were ok to race at OZ?

But if someone (Brawn im looking at you) was to walk away with the victory im sure there would a protest lodged from Ferrari/McLaren etc.

[kalniel]

Ah it's this bit I think:

"No bodywork which is visible from beneath the car and which lies between the rear wheel centre line and a point 350mm rearward of it may be more than 175mm above the reference plane. Any intersection of the surfaces in this area with a lateral or longitudinal vertical plane should form one continuous line which is visible from beneath the car. A single break in the surface is is permitted solely to allow the minimum
required access for the device referred to in Article 5.15."

Bolding my own - that would mean that the existing 'break' that is actually using the crash structure wouldn't be allowed anymore.

[ACiD303]

But if someone (Brawn im looking at you) was to walk away with the victory im sure there would a protest lodged from Ferrari/McLaren etc.

I think Bernie actually said something I agree with: it doesn't matter who wins at Australia, someone's going to be called a cheater.