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Formula One
F1: FIA Asked To Rule On McLaren Rear Wing
Even before the season starts questions are arising....
SPEED Staff / GMM  |  Posted March 04, 2010   GMM Newswire
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)
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)

The FIA is set to rule on whether the rear wing on McLaren's 2010 car is legal.

According to the Telegraph, both Red Bull and Ferrari have requested the clarification about a slot on the wing of the MP5-25 designed to reduce drag and add 10kph to the car's speed on straights.

"There's a bit of a fuss over McLaren's rear wing," confirmed Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

"They have a slot on it and they can pick up a lot of straight-line speed. I think it will get resolved before the first race.

"We've asked the FIA for clarification although I think Ferrari are probably more excited than we are to be honest," said the Briton.

Horner said the issue is not as serious as the double diffuser controversy of 2009, but was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying McLaren's wing is "certainly a different device from all of the other teams".

"They must be very confident that it's legal. I would think it will be legal," he admitted.

"Basically, if you stall the wing you take all the drag off it and pick up straight-line speed. It's something that's been done quite a lot over the years but with the wing separators you're not supposed to do that.

"Our question ultimately will be: is it clever design or is it in breach of the regulations?" added Horner.

Thursday McLaren played down the reports.

In reaction to Horner’s comment a McLaren spokesman said: "We're very confident our car is entirely legal -- and we're not aware of any protest."

He questioned Horner's claim that Ferrari are "more excited" about the issue than is Red Bull.

"In fact, we've spoken to Ferrari this morning, and they're not aware of any protest either," said the McLaren spokesman.

Subsequent reports said the FIA is not currently concerned about the MP4-25, but has accepted an invitation to study the rear wing in detail.

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