17/07/2014
NEWS STORY
Jo Bauer, the FIA's Technical Delegate, has tonight confirmed that no teams are using FRIC (front to rear linked suspension systems) this weekend in Germany.
In the post-scrutineering report issued this evening, Bauer wrote: "For information purposes, I can confirm that no car is fitted with a front to rear linked suspension system of any sort."
The announcement ends a week of speculation which followed Charlie Whiting's revelation that the system will be banned in 2015.
Teams were subsequently told that they could continue using the systems for the remainder of this season providing there was unilateral agreement.
It was feared that some teams would put self-interest first - hard to believe in F1 we know - and would refuse to reach agreement thereby opening up the possibility of those teams using FRIC being subject to protests.
Lewis Hamilton, who hopes to beat teammate Nico Rosberg on 'home' soil this weekend, and leapfrog the German in the standings, insists the move will not affect his team, despite rivals claims to the contrary.
"I don't think much at all," said the Briton when asked how much removal of the system might impact his team. "We may lose some time this weekend but if everyone is taking it off then everyone will lose the same pretty much. I don't think the order should generally change much."
2013 race winner, albeit at the Nurburgring, Sebastian Vettel, is hoping Hamilton is wrong. "I hope it brings the field closer to Mercedes but it's difficult to say," said the German who is still chasing his first win of the season.
"All of the teams have been playing with it to some extent. How much it has an impact? I think it has to be seen this weekend and also probably next week in Hungary. After those two races, I think you can have another judgement."
It would appear that, for once, common sense has prevailed.
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Chris Balfe