FIA to Clarify Legality of New Rear Wing Design

The FIA plans to send a clarification to all ten Formula One teams regarding the legality of a new rear wing design, Atlas F1 has learned.

The 2004 technical regulations state that only two upper elements are allowed on the rear wing, in order to reduce the aerodynamic potential of the wing assembly, thus reducing the car's overall speed.

However, BAR-Honda have been working in the last few months on a new rear wing concept that uses an extended upper element which offers more downforce. This extended 'Gurney Flap' is at the centre of recent controversy, with reports suggesting the FIA has deemed it illegal.

BAR's technical director Geoff Willis told Atlas F1 last Sunday that his team "have had no communications with the FIA about the rear wing at any stage." Likewise, the FIA has confirmed to Atlas F1 that "there has been no specific discussion with BAR on this matter."

However, sources at the FIA told Atlas F1 today that other teams have submitted similar designs to the FIA's technical department, and it is in the FIA's belief that such an extension of the 'Gurney Flap' is in fact a third element and not part of a second element, as BAR believe. As a result, the FIA intends to clarify the issue to the teams.

Following inquiries by Atlas F1, an FIA spokesman said: "There has been no specific discussion with BAR on this matter. We can confirm, however, that a clarification will be issued to the teams regarding wing design in the near future."

Asked whether the FIA's response would now change their plans to introduce the new rear wing in one of the future races, a BAR spokeswoman told Atlas F1 today that the team will wait to receive the said FIA clarification and until such time will have nothing more to add on the topic.