Brawn questions Renault's actions

FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting wrote to the teams after the French Grand Prix stating that mass dampers had been banned on the grounds that they were moveable aerodynamic devices.

Renault, who pioneered the system, successfully challenged that ban in Germany when they put forward their spare car to scrutineering with the mass damper still fitted.

That led to a stewards meeting, which resulted in them claiming that mass dampers were now legal. However, that decision was then appealed by the FIA.

Brawn thinks that the events of Friday are unacceptable and thinks that teams should abide by FIA decisions.

"The FIA's technical department has been a reference for everybody for many years and like it or not, people have generally accepted their decisions," he said.

"Earlier this year we had situations where they were telling us they wanted to do things with wings which we wouldn't necessarily agree with, but you've got to have that reference point. And, if for every technical decision we make, we go through this process, then we don't have a system.

"I think that's something we've got to look at because we all rely on the opinion of the FIA technical department, particularly Charlie Whiting.

"I think we all respect his opinion. We don't always agree with him, but it is the best system we have and the only system we have. Once we go through these proceedings it becomes very difficult."

Brawn believes that the mass damper device could be worth up to a few tenths of a second per lap.

"It depends on the track and from the drivers' advantage, the mechanical performance of the car, the ability to ride bumps and kerbs. It depends completely on the circuit. It could be worth a few tenths, for sure."

When asked whether he felt Ferrari's system, which has been used at some races this year, was not as good as Renault's, Brawn was unsure.

"I don't know how you judge that. It's a useful system for us. I don't know how useful it is for them. We've used it all year, but we're not using it today."