Fuel flow row rumbles on

28/03/2014
NEWS STORY

Though Red Bull's appeal has yet to be heard, there are fears that the Austrian team could be penalised again before then.

While the FIA admits that there are issues with the sensors, a move which 'forced' the Austrian team to come up with its own solution, rival teams, possibly still smarting from losing four consecutive titles to an energy drink manufacturer, continue to tow the party line, even though some admit to having considered following Red Bull's example.

Whilst still insisting that the wording of the regulation is ambiguous, team boss Christian Horner believes it is an unnecessary row and if not addressed could lead to further issues in the coming races. Indeed, having suffered further problems today, he said that he is hoping to persuade the FIA's Technical Delegate, Charlie Whiting, to have the sensors removed.

"If we don't get synchronised readings we will find ourselves in an awkward situation, but one we will try to work with the FIA on, but we will find ourselves in the same dilemma as Melbourne," he told reporters. "We need a better way of measuring and monitoring the fuel flow, or say you get rid of it and you have 100kg for the race and that's it.

"Personally, I think it would be easier to get rid of it," he added.

However, the FIA's Head of Powertrain, Fabrice Lom, argues that there is a safety aspect to be considered.

"If you have no fuel flow limit, the fastest thing is to use a huge boost at the beginning of the straight and then lift off," he said. "There will be huge and very dangerous differences of speed between cars on the same lap, with a driving style that is not really F1."

Referring to the fact that his team could face further penalties this weekend and in Bahrain, Horner argued that the issue is damaging the sport.

"I think it's not great for the fans," he said. "An Australian driver finishes on the podium for his home race, he collects the trophy, the fans all leave the circuit beleieving that the home boy has done well, and then five and a half hours later the result changes... that's confusing.

"There's then a perception that Red Bull have been arrogant with the FIA because they haven't complied with the directives, which have no regulatory value, he added, "so of course, it's damaging in many respects. It's going to take four of five races before we get a clear picture, and hopefully not four or five appeals."

Earlier in the week, in a move which had many thinking the words 'toy' and 'pram', team owner Dietrich Mateschitz suggested that he could consider leaving the sport if he feels it is heading in the wrong direction... though, presumably, right up until Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification in Melbourne, he felt it was heading in the right direction.

Red Bull's appeal will be heard in Paris on April 14.

Chris Balfe

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Published: 28/03/2014
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