Teams close to agreeing overtaking plan

Formula One teams are edging closer to agreeing on a future car design that will improve overtaking following the latest talks at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Autosport has revealed

The Overtaking Working Group held an evaluation meeting at the Hungaroring and have now agreed on the design of a diffuser that could be introduced as soon as 2009.

The configuration was rubber-stamped following extensive wind tunnel testing during June and July.

The next focus for the group will be on selecting a rear wing design, with the group accepting that it is going to be difficult to give an aerodynamic advantage to following cars.

However, it hopes that it will be able to reduce the negative impact that pursuing cars suffer from in closely following rivals. One possibility being looked at is for a switchable front wing, which could be extended when following another car.

The group is working to introduce the revised aerodynamic rules, which will also outlaw flaps, chimneys, winglets and bargeboards for 2010, but there is the possibility of bringing the designs forward a year if progress continues to be as rapid as present.

The OWG is chaired by McLaren engineering director Paddy Lowe, Renault director of engineering Pat Symonds and Ferrari consultant Rory Byrne. The group is being assisted by F1 aerodynamicist Jean-Claude Migeot, who has run the wind tunnel operation.