Earlier this month, Renault's Flavio Briatore accused several F1 teams – without naming one in particular – of cheating when setting their aerodynamic package for 2009. And it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the Italian was pointing out to. However, following Whiting's visit to Barcelona during last week's group test, the two designs were given the thumbs up by the FIA.
“They used a loophole (in the regulations) that was always there. Additionally, we can understand that other teams have a different view,” Whiting allegedly told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.
Lately, Brawn GP were also accused of using a different (therefore illegal) rear diffuser design during their latest test at Barcelona and Jerez. Given the outstanding lap times of the BGP 001 last week, people started looking for clues on Ross Brawn's car to explain the boost in performance. As claimed by Cologne-based newspaper Express, it seems the BGP 001 links the underfloor with the rear diffuser in a curved fashion, radically increasing the power of the air sucking the car downwards.
Bernie Ecclestone admitted that the new rules have started quite a controversy within the F1 paddock, but gave us his very original view on what would eventually happen once the season is off.
“I guarantee whoever wins the races in Melbourne will be told they are cheating, and it doesn't matter who it is,” said the F1 supremo.
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