Red Bull Will Not Debut F-Duct in Spain

After Mercedes GP, another highly rated Formula One team confirmed that it won't be using their own-developed version of the F-duct system in Spain. The device, believed to add some 6 to 10 mph on straight line through a driver-activated device from within the cockpit, was debuted by McLaren Mercedes and was so far copied by almost all teams in the paddock – with the exception of the new outfits, added Renault and Toro Rosso.

However, none have managed to implement a finalized system onto their cars, with BMW-Sauber Ferrari testing it in the practice session in China and Mercedes GP running their preliminary design also at Shanghai (it wasn't used in the race). If Ferrari confirmed they will use the F-duct system in the first practice session of the Barcelona event, Mercedes' Ross Brawn revealed his team has set a new deadline – the Turkish GP – for their system to be finalized.

Now Red Bull's Mark Webber says the same about his team, suggesting that under no circumstances the F-duct design will make it to the RB6 in time for the Spanish Grand Prix.

“We don't know when we're going to have it, but we are looking at something, as I'm sure all teams are. I think it's actually called a J-switch; that's what Lewis calls it. So yes, as soon as possible would be nice, but it's not going to be Barcelona, that's for sure,” said Webber in an interview with the BBC.

The system is unlikely to be as decisive on the Circuit de Catalunya as it was on the Shanghai International Circuit, as the only section where it may provide the two McLarens with some upper hand over their rivals is the main straight, tackled at speeds of over 300 km/h (130 mph).

If Webber's comments are true, it's likely that Red Bull will take the Mercedes way in developing the system and debut it in Turkey, as the F-duct is practically useless on the twisty circuit of Monaco (scheduled after the Spanish GP).