Brawn sees no end to flexi-wing row
Arguments between teams about flexi-wings in Formula One could become a feature of the sport for a long time to come, unless radical action is taken to try and resolve the situation
That is the view of Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn, who believes that the experience of traction control, where teams were constantly pointing the finger at each other despite there being no proof of cheating, is likely to be repeated over the flexi-wing issue.
"Just look at what was said about traction control," explained Brawn. "Everyone said that you were doing something, and you couldn't prove otherwise.
"Any technology that you can't prove you're not doing is a difficult situation to defend. With flexi-wings, it is difficult to prove you are not doing it. People can make comments and light the fire and it takes off."
F1 think-tank the Technical Working Group have long debated new rules to try to end the controversy, but have so far not been successful.
Hopes that the introduction of slot gap separators in the rear wings would bring the situation to a head were dashed when Honda Racing threatened to protest BMW-Sauber over flexing of their rear wing in Montreal.
Brawn said: "We've (the TWG) debated it, but haven't got involved with the BMW situation. It looks like we've passed the baton to BMW and they'll pass it to someone else for the future. It is a difficult area."
When asked whether completely freeing up the flexibility of wings would be an answer, with traction control being allowed back in the sport to end suspicions on that front, Brawn responded: "That's what I proposed at the beginning of this year.
"That might be the simplest solution, but everyone might not agree. We wouldn't object to it. But I don't think it's likely to happen."
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