16/06/2006
NEWS STORY
Despite the best efforts of the FIA, which has always stressed that it finds them within the rules, there have been continued murmurings within the pitlane, fuelled by some sections of the media, that a number of teams, most notably Ferrari, are using wings that flex.
Consequently, the FIA has finally acted, with Technical Delegate, Charlie Whiting, writing to all teams advising them that from next weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, 'separators' having to be placed between the planes in rear wings in order to prevent them flexing.
Several teams have commented at the speed advantage the Ferrari 248 F1 enjoys over its rivals on straights, and this is widely put down to flexing of the wings, both front and rear.
Some teams had threatened to use their own flex wings, indeed some tried but failed to match the success of the Ferrari version. Others simply felt that rules are rules and didn't wish to be seen intentionally breaking them.
In the face of growing discontent, and the fact that both the Canadian and United States Grands Prix feature straights on which flexi-wings would benefit those using tem, the FIA has clearly decided that now is the time to act.