Skip to main content

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Recommended for you

MotoGP bans front holeshot devices immediately, tweaks grid layout from German GP

MotoGP
Dutch GP
MotoGP bans front holeshot devices immediately, tweaks grid layout from German GP

Milicevic's Cooper in command at Cadwell Park VSCC medley

National
Milicevic's Cooper in command at Cadwell Park VSCC medley

Why Le Mans wasn't a manufactured illusion

Feature
WEC
24 Hours of Le Mans
Why Le Mans wasn't a manufactured illusion

What happens next as appeal against Gasly's Monaco podium decision goes to court

Formula 1
Austrian GP
What happens next as appeal against Gasly's Monaco podium decision goes to court

How Lundgaard emulated Tracy’s 2000 charge at Road America

Feature
IndyCar
Road America
How Lundgaard emulated Tracy’s 2000 charge at Road America

Obituary: Ferrari’s first monocoque maker John Thompson

General
Obituary: Ferrari’s first monocoque maker John Thompson

Retro tin-tops entertain at Brands Hatch London Historic Trophy event

National
Retro tin-tops entertain at Brands Hatch London Historic Trophy event

Why Aprilia appealed against Bezzecchi’s Czech MotoGP ban

MotoGP
Czech GP
Why Aprilia appealed against Bezzecchi’s Czech MotoGP ban
Formula 1

Cosworth predicts 'extreme' diffusers

Formula 1's engine makers will be forced to pursue 'extreme' forms of blown diffuser concepts if the FIA does not clamp down on the use of off-throttle systems next month, according to Cosworth

Jonathan Noble
Jonathan Noble
Published:
Formula 1's engine makers will be forced to pursue 'extreme' forms of blown diffuser concepts if the FIA does not clamp down on the use of off-throttle systems next month.

That is the view of Cosworth, which believes that the area of car development could get out of control - as it awaits a meeting of the Technical Working Group to discuss the situation.

The FIA is determined to ban the use of off-throttle blown diffusers, and acted in the wake of a clarification request from Williams about future development options.

Cosworth's general manager Mark Gallagher told AUTOSPORT that his company was ready to push ahead with its own system - but that such costs would have to be met by its partner teams.

"It really does enter the realms of escalated development in an area which nobody foresaw not very long ago, and you can see some quite extreme forms of it on the horizon," said Gallagher.

"This is a benefit which is significant and if you said to your aerodynamicist 'I've got something that is going to give you half a second,' they are going to jump on that.

"This is not a small matter, it's not hundredths of seconds, there is a good chunk of time to be had, and therefore it has the potential to be exploited. Of course, looking forward to potential new engines, if you designed one with this kind of strategy in mind, I think you could? take it on to another level again.

"So the question is whether the FIA determines this is a cul de sac and [says] we are not to go down it any further. Because if the road is left open, not just for the current engines, but for potentially new engines in the future, it's an entire new area of development which you can go on to."

"We'll get the clarification. Certainly we have got it, we can implement it, but we just need the customers to be told that it's legal and [decide that ] they want to proceed with it."

To find out about how Cosworth aims to become a force in Formula 1 once more, read Jonathan Noble's exclusive interview with general manager Mark Gallagher here.

Share Or Save This Story

Previous article Cosworth: Unity needed over 2013 rules
Next article Briatore suspects Red Bull favouritism

Top Comments
More from
Jonathan Noble

Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours

Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours

The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season

Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season

Jon Noble: An unfair perception or a genuine concern? Lifting the lid on Red Bull’s Tsunoda scepticism

Formula 1
Formula 1
Jon Noble: An unfair perception or a genuine concern? Lifting the lid on Red Bull’s Tsunoda scepticism

Latest news

MotoGP bans front holeshot devices immediately, tweaks grid layout from German GP

MotoGP
Dutch GP
MotoGP bans front holeshot devices immediately, tweaks grid layout from German GP

Milicevic's Cooper in command at Cadwell Park VSCC medley

National
Milicevic's Cooper in command at Cadwell Park VSCC medley

Why Le Mans wasn't a manufactured illusion

Feature
WEC
24 Hours of Le Mans
Why Le Mans wasn't a manufactured illusion

What happens next as appeal against Gasly's Monaco podium decision goes to court

Formula 1
Austrian GP
What happens next as appeal against Gasly's Monaco podium decision goes to court