Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull Racing and BMW Sauber have all lodged an appeal to the aforementioned designs a few hours after the Aussie GP scrutineering in late March. In the following two races, all three teams have clearly outpaced the rest of the pack thanks to the increased level of downforce on their cars, result of the double-decker design.
As argued by BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen, FIA's declaring the designs legal will have a huge influence on this year's F1 campaign, as it will mainatin the huge gap in performance between the “diffuser three” and the rest of the teams.
“It is good to have fresh people, fresh teams (up there), and good to have a different picture from time to time - I would just wish that everybody plays on the same playing ground. We need a level playing field as soon as possible.”
“You cannot frame such a complex technical tool in words, but if it pops up like now, you have to react quickly and get it under control and come to a common view,” said Theissen.
Although they've all agreed the new designs are illegal, most F1 teams have already began work on a double-decker design, just in case. However, implementing it would take at least until the Spanish Grand Prix, a time by which Brawn GP & Co would be way ahead in terms of development.
As argued by Renault's boss Flavio Briatore earlier this month, a proper development of such a rear diffuser design could bring approximately 40% increase in downforce in the near future.
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