FIA to Ban Off-Throttle Exhaust Blowing After Barcelona

According to rumors on Tuesday, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) has issued a new directive to the 2011 Formula 1 Regulations – known as Technical Directive 15 – prohibiting teams from exploiting the aggressive blowing of gases through the rear diffuser when the drivers are off throttle.

Championship big guns Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes GP are believed to have come up with sophisticated exhaust layouts and engine maps for their 2011-spec machines that enable exhaust gases to flow through the diffuser at the same rate as when the driver is pushing the throttle, keeping downforce levels high at all times, even when braking.

Following the Turkish Grand Prix two weekends back, the ruling body sent all teams indications that, effective immediately, maximum throttle will be limited to just 10 percent when the driver is not pressing the throttle.

According to British magazine Autosport however, it seems that the FIA has decided not to go through with the changes for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, following discussions with members of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA). Leading members of the teams' body have argued that tweaking their engine settings on such a short notice would lead to major changes in the competitive order at Circuit de Catalunya.

Therefore, the matter has been postponed until the upcoming Technical Working Group meeting, with the sole mention that the FIA is pushing for the new regulations to be stamped out as soon as possible. However, with the Monaco Grand Prix scheduled only one week after the Spanish race, it's possible that the ban will be implemented starting with the Canadian Grand Prix, to take place in mid June.