Ferrari has developed its own reactive ride-height system for 2012 F1 car

Lotus has pioneered a way for the ride height on its car to be maintained under braking - which will help both aerodynamic performance and stability. The system is fully mechanical and activated by brake torque.

As AUTOSPORT revealed on Wednesday, the FIA gave approval for the concept as long ago as the start of last year - and rival teams now look set to have to introduce their own versions of the concept for 2012.

High-level sources at Ferrari have confirmed that the Italian outfit has already been working on developing its own reactive ride height system for 2012 - and has submitted its plans to the FIA to ensure that it fully complies with the regulations.

Although it is understood that it has not received official approval yet, it is likely that a decision will be made in time for Ferrari to be able to fit the device to its 2012 car prior to the first pre-season tests.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said at the team's media Wrooom event in Italy on Wednesday that there had been correspondence with the FIA over the matter.

"What you are talking about, is more related to having stability under braking," explained Domenicali. "It is a system that I know there have been some documents in writing between the FIA and the teams.

"We are waiting for the final confirmation if this kind of devices will be acceptable or not. But for sure we are looking around these sorts of devices to see if they contribute to a performance. But we need to wait and see what will be the reaction to the FIA on that."