McLaren wing and gizmos declared legal

McLaren MP4-25's controversial wing declared leagl by FIA

Mar.11 (GMM) McLaren’s 2010 car, including its controversial rear wing design, has been given the green light by FIA officials in Bahrain on Thursday.

McLaren MP4-25 rear wing close-up

At least two teams, Red Bull and Ferrari, had asked the governing body to issue a clarification about the British team’s rules interpretation, with the wing design believed to give Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton a 6kph straight line advantage.

The FIA’s Charlie Whiting had intended to check the innovation at McLaren’s Woking headquarters last week, but after flight delays from Brazil opted instead to leave the inspection until the day of scrutineering for the season opener.

It is believed McLaren’s system involves an air inlet on the upper left monocoque top, which is opened and closed by a trigger activated by the drivers’ knee.

The small scoop that raised eyebrows is also legal

Earlier this month Red Bull team boss Christian Horner questioned the rear wing, saying “There’s a bit of a fuss over McLaren’s rear wing. They have a slot on it and they can pick up a lot of straight-line speed. I think it will get resolved before the first race. We’ve asked the FIA for clarification although I think Ferrari are probably more excited than we are to be honest.”

Horner said the issue is not as serious as the double diffuser controversy of 2009, but is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying McLaren’s wing is “certainly a different device from all of the other teams”.

“They must be very confident that it’s legal. I would think it will be legal,” he admitted.

“Basically, if you stall the wing you take all the drag off it and pick up straight-line speed. It’s something that’s been done quite a lot over the years but with the wing separators you’re not supposed to do that. Our question ultimately will be: is it clever design or is it in breach of the regulations?” added Horner.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport quoted an FIA official as describing it as a “simple but brilliant trick Print This Article