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Red Bull passes new flexi-wing test

Red Bull Racing has passed the latest tougher front wing deflection tests introduced for the Belgian Grand Prix

In the wake of intense scrutiny about possible flexing of the teams' front wings, the Red Bull RB6 was - along with the McLaren MP4-25 - subject to the new tests during post-practice inspection by the FIA at Spa-Francorchamps on Friday.

A report from Formula 1 technical delegate Jo Bauer on Friday revealed that Mark Webber's car, as well as Lewis Hamilton's McLaren, were subject to both the new front wing test and a front floor deflection test.

Both cars were, according to Bauer, "found to be in conformity with 2010 FIA Formula 1 technical regulations."

Red Bull's passing of the test will go some way to easing concerns about possible use of flexing bodywork - although the matter is unlikely to be put to rest until the Italian GP when new floor tests and regulations are introduced.

Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn, who has voiced his concern about possible flexing wings, said in Belgium on Friday that the technical controversy was just a normal part of F1 life.

"There was a clear obvious effect on the track between certain cars that was not explainable and we sought some clarifications on how the rules were to be applied," he said: "When we talk about the process that's gone on through the years, that is the process that we all do, that is the nature of Formula 1.

"I know that some of the teams involved were not very happy with comments I made, or McLaren made, but then I was not happy about comments they made about the double diffuser last year. It is the nature of Formula 1. That's the way we are and that's the way we work, and if we see something we don't like on another car, we will challenge it with the FIA, and if the FIA eventually say 'no, that's the way it's going to be', we join the club."

Although Ferrari has also been the subject of scrutiny about its front wings flexing, its car was not chosen for testing on Friday. It may, however, face a test after qualifying on Saturday or during post-race inspection.

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