F1: FIA to get stricter on flexi-wings

Formula 1 governing body the FIA intends to introduce stricter tests on front wing designs in an effort to prevent teams breaking the rules.

F1 rules expressly forbid moving aerodynamic parts, and under Article 3.17.8 of F1's technical regulations, the FIA "reserves the right to introduce further load/deflection tests on any part of the bodywork which appears to be (or is suspected of), moving whilst the car is in motion."

In a fresh clampdown on so-called "flexi-wings," the FIA has sent a technical directive to all teams which lays out plans to introduce a new front wing loading test focusing on the flaps.

The technical directive states: "FIA intends to introduce a further load/deflection test on parts of the bodywork forward of the front wheels. A 60N point load will be applied to any part of the trailing edge of any front wing flap, the load will be applied normal to the flap at the relevant point.

"Under the load, the deflection may not exceed 3mm when measured vertically at the trailing edge."

The last team to fall foul of these rules was Red Bull, which had both its cars excluded from qualifying for last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the FIA declared that the front wing flaps on the RB10 flexed under load.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner suggested other teams were breaking the rules too, which prompted Williams performance chief Rob Smedley to claim all teams were pushing front wing rules to their limits.

Originally on Autosport.com