Williams diffuser called into question

According to this week's Autosport magazine, there is no suggestion that the diffuser, which is key to the amount of downforce a car generates, is illegal. However, a rival team has asked the FIA to look into the Grove-based outfit's interpretation of the technical regulations.

The Formula 1 rule book is written in such a way that teams can find various solutions to the same problem, with the FIA having the final say on eligibility, and it is not yet known whether the FW23's diffuser could be called into question due to over-flexing or because it is too big.

"Williams' interpretation of the regulations is to the word of the rules," said a leading technical figure from a rival team, "but not necessarily to the spirit."

Such is the secrecy shrouding F1 technical information that Williams have remained tight-lipped on the subject, but the team's technical director Patrick Head hinted that a clarification is expected soon.

"There could well be," said Head. "All I'm saying is that we haven't seen anything yet."

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn also expects the matter to be quickly resolved. He said: "I think it will become clear what the situation is."

However, McLaren boss Ron Dennis believes that if an amount of interpretation of the rules is not allowed in F1, then the very essence of the sport is taken away.

"I don't believe we should have black and white rules," said Dennis. "If you do, then the interpretation completely limits the freedom you have got to give teams to try to find a technical advantage. It is the nature of the beast."