FIA reverses decision on Blown Diffuser, only 10 percent off-throttle gases flow allowed – Formula 1
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has once again reversed its decision on the Blown Diffuser for the 2011 Formula 1 season.
FIA’s Charlie Whiting sent a letter to all Formula 1 teams before the final practice session of the British Grand Prix went underway. The letter said the original FIA decision to only allow 10 percent gases flow from Blown Diffuser when the driver is off-throttle
was in place.
On Friday, engine manufacturers Renault wanted to be allowed more exhaust gases from the Diffuser when the driver is off-throttle as their engines are designed in such a way that it needs exhaust gases to cool the engine down.
Renault stated that although some of the other engine manufacturers use another way to cool down their engine, like Mercedes use Over-run process for reliability, Renault does that by blowing gases from the valves.
The FIA decided to allow Renault-powered machines, Red Bull, Renault and Lotus, to use up to 50 percent gases to blow from the Diffuser to ensure reliability of their engines.
However, McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh did not see it as a solution to the problem and voiced a concern over FIA’s double standards.
Whitmarsh stated that either the FIA should have waited until the end of the 2011 season to clarify the Blown Diffuser rule or should have stuck to one rule for every team as this device alone can produce a fair bit of edge in a car’s performance.
The FIA promised to give the final verdict before the Silverstone Grand Prix FP3 so that the cars can be modified according to the rules. As for now, only 10 percent gases can be blown from the Diffuser to ensure reliability of the engines and Renault-powered
teams will have to be very careful about the performance of their package as well.
Some strong reactions from teams are expected as Christian Horner was the one to point out this issue about the Renault engines.
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