McLaren unhappy over BAR's FTT
BAR's controversial Front Torque Transfer (FTT) system, adjudged illegal at Hockenheim but now back in modified form, is not allowed according to McLaren boss Ron Dennis
The system is designed to stop front wheels locking and create more stability under braking. Benetton tried it back in 1999 but discarded it due to its additional weight and its complexity. The original BAR system this year contained a Moog valve, which was adjudged to be an external power source and therefore in contravention of the regulations.
Dennis said at Monza: "We do not concur with the legality of the system and we have presented our arguments. Of course, if we feel strongly enough, there is a process by which we can challenge it."
Dennis denied, however, that this meant McLaren would lodge a post-race protest if BAR gets a strong result in tomorrow's race.
"It's not our style to protest other cars," he said. "What we've done is make our feelings known to both the team and the FIA in a very detailed manner and I think the situation is under consideration."
BAR technical director Geoff Willis, however, explained: "This is a system that we have developed in a slightly different direction following discussions with the FIA and (technical delegate) Charlie Whiting. This is one we tested last week and Charlie has seen it and is completely happy with it. It's certainly useful and we're sufficiently convinced that we needed to race it this weekend. You could measure the benefits and I am completely confident it will be fine."
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