The governing body of Formula One will implement further controls on fancy engine mapping systems being used by F1 teams, with the FIA writing to teams to confirm a ban on 'qualifying specials' maps from the European GP this weekend.
The use of complicated mapping software to control the flow of exhaust gases through their blown diffusers has been the new plaything for teams to perfect in 2011.
But the FIA is clamping down on the new mapping, with a heavy restriction on use of the software set to come in from the British Grand Prix at the start of July.
And the governing body has now written to the F1 teams to confirm a ban on qualifying-only mapping software for the European Grand Prix this weekend in Valencia.
FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting has confirmed to the teams in writing that they will no longer be allowed to change engine maps in between qualifying and the race.
Teams could still work around this by beginning the race with one map and switching at the first pit stop, when a computer could theoretically be used to change to a different setting.
But the likelihood is that this new rule will now prevent teams from running qualifying-specific mapping that may give them greater downforce for Saturday, but which would prove too risky to run for the race itself.
Recent paddock speculation has pointed to this sort of qualifying-spec mapping system being one of the keys to Red Bull's qualifying advantage, with the championship leaders enjoying up to a second in hand over their rivals at some race weekends.
This pace has rarely transferred over to such a dramatic extent to the races themselves, suggesting that the caffeinated squad may be reverting to a less dramatic map for the race.
Red Bull and Renault are thought to be the teams with the best-working engine mapping systems in the field, though every team is thought to have at least trialed some sort of off-throttle blown diffuser setup.
From Silverstone, use of the devices in the race will be limited to 10% of the blown diffuser's efficiency at full throttle.
The news of a further element to the FIA's clampdown on engine mapping diffuser setups will likely anger Red Bull, who may perceive the move to be a direct attempt to diminish their championship dominance so far in 2011.
Last week, Red Bull designer Adrian Newey described the ban as "absurd", while RBR motorsport adviser Helmut Marko suggested that the push to ban the devices midway through the season was "pretty strange".
The ban on off-throttle systems is set to be followed by a total ban on blown diffusers from the start of 2012.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
