18/09/2006
NEWS STORY
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The controversial Centreline Downwash Generating Wing (CDG), which was scheduled to be introduced in 2008, might not now appear until 2009, if at all.
At today's meeting between the FIA, the F1 teams and manufacturers, it was agreed to "defer the introduction of new aerodynamic regulations" by one year to 2009, in order to "optimise new bodywork designs".
The CDG, the work of the FIA and AMD was the result of the governing body's first public survey, when 94% of those that participated called for more overtaking.
However, the concept never really appealed to the teams, who doubted its effectiveness and subsequently came up with their own recommendations.
The design of the wing has also raised questions at to its aesthetics in addition to concern that two smaller wings - as opposed to one big one - will have an impact on commercial interests, with the rear ring being one of the most valuable bits of advertising space on an F1 car. It's called getting one's priorities right.
Nonetheless, the fact is that the current aerodynamic regulations are not conducive to classic motor racing, witness last week's incident when Max Mosley admitted that Fernando Alonso - one hundred metres down the road - had impeded Felipe Massa. The fact having been proven by looking at the relevant data.