F1: Controversial McLaren Wing Gets Green Light

Formula 1

F1: Controversial McLaren Wing Gets Green Light

The wing on the 2010 McLaren has been cleared by the FIA...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted March 11, 2010 Sakhir (BHR)

The McLaren rear wing features an additional slot on the rear face of the flap. It's believed that this flap is fed with airflow from the inlet above the drivers head routed through the tail fin. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

McLaren's 2010 car, including its controversial rear wing design, was given the green light by FIA officials in Bahrain Thursday.

At least two teams, Red Bull and Ferrari, had asked the governing body to issue a clarification about the British team's rules interpretation, with the wing design believed to give Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton a 6kph straight line advantage.

The FIA's Charlie Whiting had intended to check the innovation at McLaren's Woking headquarters last week, but after flight delays from Brazil opted instead to leave the inspection until the day of scrutineering for the season opener.

It is believed McLaren's system involves an air inlet on the upper left monocoque top, which is opened and closed by a trigger activated by the drivers' knee.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport quoted an FIA official as describing it as a "simple but brilliant trick".

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