Diffusing the engine situation
Engines proved the major talking point at Barcelona last weekend, both with regards to exhaust-blown diffusers and the new breed of powerplants due to come into F1 in 2013. Tony Dodgins gives his forthright opinions on both issues
One way and another engines dominated the paddock breeze in Barcelona. First, there was the pre-event technical directive sent around by FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting informing everyone that, in his opinion, hot blown diffusers are illegal.
Exhaust blown diffusers aren't new, so what was suddenly the problem? It's worth knowing that when Charlie issues such a directive it is often prompted by a team query. So who had been asking questions? And why? Often, it's someone who can't readily get a handle on something a rival is doing very well, and therefore wants it banned.
Share Or Save This Story
More from Tony Dodgins
Autosport 70: F1's age-old problems and how to fix them
Best features of 2012: Early signs Kimi would star
2012: F1 as it should be?
The hidden truths of Schumacher's comeback
Celebrating Peter Sauber: F1 survivor
Raikkonen and Lotus: Opinion dividers
Ferrari tactics: Right or wrong?
Can Ferrari find the magic bullet?
Latest news
Neuville: Nothing is done yet with roughest Acropolis stage to come
WRC Acropolis: Neuville avoids drama to lead after brutal Saturday
Bagnaia "angry" after losing ground to Martin in MotoGP title fight
MotoGP actively seeking second US race but no plans for 2025
Autosport Plus
How the chief architect of McLaren's improvement plans to continue its rise
Jon Noble: Why Ferrari could be a dark horse for the title – but we can't be sure until October
The Albon-matching elements of Colapinto's maiden F1 grand prix
The Schumacher/Alonso element Norris is missing that would help McLaren’s team orders headache
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.