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FIA Investigate Three Cars at Barcelona

The International Automobile Federation is taking a very careful approach ahead of the season opener in Australia, as race director Charlie Whiting reportedly asked to check three of the cars present at the Barcelona testing this week in order to make sure they are compliant with the technical rule book for 2009.

Following the multitude of aerodynamic innovations tried out by some of the F1 teams during the last few group tests, FIA decided to check on their legality. As the Barcelona meeting is the last official test ahead of the new season, this would be teams' last chance to revise their aerodynamic packages in case a unfortunate illegal feature would be found on their 2009 challengers.

As reported by German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Whiting wanted to check 3 cars in particular: the Toyota TF109, BMW Sauber F1.09 and Williams FW31. He arrived at Circuit de Catalunya after the official start of the testing sessions, so it is yet to be disclosed whether he will proceed to see other cars as well or simply limit his check on the aforementioned challengers.

Although cleared by the FIA earlier this year, Toyota TF109's rear diffuser design has been Whiting's main targets this morning. Also, he wanted to have a closer look to Williams F1's latest innovation in terms of skate fins on both sides of the cockpit – introduced by Frank Williams' outfit at the same time with the launch of car's new livery – as they are believed to be higher than normal (some 30 cm high).

On the other hand, the BMW Sauber F1.09 was inspected because of its smaller fairing fins. The fins were introduced by the teams in order to improve airflow towards the rear of the car in 2009. It is now known whether Whiting will continue to supervise the Barcelona testing until Thursday or leave the Spanish circuit later today.
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