Sauber Could Debut McLaren Air Inlet System in Australia

It didn't take long for the other teams to work on their cars' aerodynamic package in order to develop a McLaren-style knee-activated air inlet system for the upcoming races of the season. As the International Automobile Federation (FIA) ruled the device as legal ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix – it is believed to add some downforce to the car, while also improving straight line speed – the Woking outfit's rivals were quick to copying the device themselves.

It now seems that BMW Sauber-Ferrari are the first team to introduce their own version of the device on the C29, although it is yet unclear whether they'll debut it from as early as the Australian weekend.

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, when asked if they have the device ready for take-off, the team's technical boss Willy Rampf replied: “Ask me (about it) on Friday.”

In case the Hinwil based team does manage to integrate a similar device into their C29, it would really stir up some questions inside the F1 paddock, as it seems the system had taken the guys at McLaren the entire winter to develop. Therefore, it would be strange to say the least if a small team like Sauber would debut it in such short notice.

The only logical explanation would be that, like some of the other teams out there, Sauber would have thought of such a device sooner, but did not get to finalize it by the Bahrain GP. A similar story goes for Mercedes GP as well, as team boss Ross Brawn admitted that he knew about the device for some time, only did not hold the key to its functionality.

“We had an idea that they (McLaren) were doing it – we didn't understand how they were doing it. But now we do,” said Brawn, hinting that his team will quickly adapt such a part on their W01 as soon as possible.