10/07/2014
NEWS STORY
The FIA has moved to clamp down on interlinked suspension systems being developed by teams. A Technical Directive sent to teams from Charlie Whiting has clarified the governing body's stance on the systems, which he says contravene Article 3.15 of the Technical Regulations.
In recent seasons teams have developed complicated systems - Front to Rear Interlinked Suspension (FRIC) - designed to transfer suspension load from front to rear as well as diagonally across the car as they attempt to control the car's pitch and roll.
Pitch describes the rocking of a car from front to back as the suspension loads change, while roll relates to the twisting of the chassis which can result in a loss of tyre grip.
By reducing the pitch and roll the car has a more consistent aerodynamic platform, and therefore improved performance, but the FIA argues the designs fall foul of the same regulations that saw the banning of active suspension in the early 1990s.
According to Article 3.15 the primary function of suspension designs must be to improving ride quality, with any aerodynamic benefit purely incidental. Whiting's clarification therefore effectively says it is the FIA's opinion that, while the systems do improve the ride quality, the primary purpose for interlinked suspension is to improve aerodynamics.
“Having now seen and studied nearly every current design of front-to-rear linked suspension system, as well as reviewing future developments some teams have shared with us, we are firmly of the view that the legality of all such systems could be called into question,” wrote Whiting.
Within his note was also a veiled threat. While conceding a ban within the current season would require unanimous agreement from the teams (which seems unlikely given they appear unable to agree on anything), even without it Whiting claims he would consider referring cars fitted with the system to the stewards of the event.
With question marks over the financial security of a number of teams Whiting's note therefore appears rather pragmatic given the systems have little relevance to road cars and are therefore nothing more than another budgetary black hole.
Mat Coch