FIA clears BMW's rear wing

This follows a threat by Honda Racing to protest against BMW after this afternoon's Canadian Grand Prix, as the Japanese team are among several outfits that are unhappy about the possible flexing of the rear wing of the F1.06 at high speed.

The teams have circulated photographic evidence among themselves over the Montreal weekend that suggest the main element of the rear wing is flattening out at high speed to reduce drag.

Those pictures have led Honda boss Nick Fry to admit that his team are considering protesting either Nick Heidfeld or Jacques Villeneuve if they finish ahead of his cars in Montreal this afternoon. It has been suggested that other teams could join the protest as well.

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen revealed this morning that following the publication of autosport.com's story last night, he immediately contacted the FIA to try and sort out the situation.

He said: "I was aware of your story last night, so I immediately called (FIA technical delegate) Charlie Whiting and he said we will talk about it tomorrow (Sunday).

"He came over this morning and he inspected the car and rear wing again. He confirmed that it was in conformity with the rules, so there will not be anything. There is nothing to do and it is fine."

When asked if he intended to speak to Honda Racing before the race to discuss the protest threat, Theissen said firmly: "No."

With the FIA having given BMW-Sauber the green light, a decision will now need to be taken by Honda Racing about whether they will see through the protest after the Canadian GP.

When asked what he expected would happen if his cars finished ahead of the Hondas, Theissen smiled: "We will earn more points than them..."

Although the protest threat has clouded BMW-Sauber's recent stunning progress, Theissen admitted that he was not too disappointed that rival teams were pointing their fingers at his outfit.

"I would not say it is disappointing," he said. "It is a good sign that the progress we make is recognized by the competitors."