Although clearly disappointed with FIA's decision to allow the different designs used by the “diffuser three” – Brawn GP, Williams and Toyota – this season, Marko insisted RBR will make all the necessary steps to debut the revised car as soon as possible. For that to happen, Newey will not be traveling to China this weekend, but stay at the factory and work on the new design.
Like engine suppliers Renault, RBR had also planned such a version of a rear diffuser over the winter, only they were advised by FIA's race director Charlie Whiting not to deploy it because of its potential illegality.
“What angers us is the fact that we had approached [Charlie] Whiting for a clarification on a diffuser solution like the one in question and we were told it was illegal, therefore we did not pursue it any further though our design team had similar ideas,” said Marko.
“We are working flat-out on a new solution already. As the verdict became official, Adrian (Newey) immediately cancelled his flight to Shanghai and will stay in the factory. If everything goes according to plan, we will have the 'new' car ready for Monaco,” added the RBR advisor.
He also pointed out that allowing the new diffusers will lead to higher-than-expected cornering speeds, which will contradict with the work of FIA's Overtaking Working Group. The OWG was created to ensure effective aerodynamics in exchange of lower downforce.
However, with the introduction of a double-decker design – while also developing it in the upcoming months – the high level of downforce will certainly lead to some very high cornering speeds, which is the exact opposite of what FIA had in mind in the first place.
“I wonder what impact this will have on cornering speeds. I assume there will be problems soon when cars are going too fast, and the airflow the double diffuser creates for sure will make overtaking more difficult again. Thus it is against the spirit of the rules agreed in the working groups,” concluded Marko.
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