Sebastian Vettel not comfortable with current situation regarding adjustable wings’ regulations
According to the 2011 Formula 1 rules and regulations report, it was revealed that the teams will have to use adjustable rear wings but this time, the FIA would specify some regulations regarding the use of this device for each circuit accordingly.
Adjustable rear wings are used in order to increase or decrease the downforce of a car during a race which increases and decreases the grip levels and pace respectively. With adjustable rear wings, teams can adjust their cars settings to some extent according
to different portions of each circuit respectively in order to attain best possible results.
It was revealed later on that the teams will be allowed to use the adjustable rear wings only at certain portions of a respective circuit and since the Australian Grand Prix is going to be the season opening race of the 2011 Formula 1 season, the FIA revealed
that the teams will be allowed to use the device at the pit straight before the first chicane.
As a result, Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel has stated that this whole situation is getting quite confusing.
The overtaking zone of the Australian Grand Prix was decided formally during a meeting held by the FIA’s Charlie Whiting during the final pre-season test session in Barcelona. Since the straight along the start finish line is quite short, the FIA decided
to allow teams to activate their adjustable rear wings at this portion of the circuit.
After the driver exits the final corner of the circuit before the start finish line, the driver would then be able to press the button for adjust his rear wing but he will have to reset his rear wing to its original settings before braking for turn 1. As
a result, the overtaking zone is around 600 meters long.
“Let's say I'm further away than one second from the car in the [designated] corner, but I get closer in the last three corners and I'm not allowed to press the button. How do you try to explain that?” asked Sebastian.
Other than that, most of the teams suggested that the drivers should not be allowed to trigger the device during the practice or qualifying sessions to reduce the drivers’ workload.
Later reports revealed that this proposal was made by the 2010 world champions Red Bull Racing team while Ferrari and McLaren did not agree with this proposal
“Presumably, McLaren and Ferrari have developed techniques that make it easier for the drivers to operate the systems,” said Whiting.
It is going to be interesting to see how the teams utilise this device at the season opening race in Australia though as it would give us a clearer picture.
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