F1 teams are reportedly taking steps to have the controversial 'double-decker' diffuser banned in 2011.
Controversial design could be made illegal in 2011
Formula One teams are reportedly taking steps to have the controversial 'double-decker' diffuser banned in 2011.
The design, which exploited the wording of new regulations introduced prior to last season in order to offer more grip, made its appearance at the start of the 2009 season amid much controversy as some teams felt it was illegal.
While both Williams and Toyota incorporated versions into their own cars, it was the Brawn GP design which attracted most attention given their dominant early-season form.
Despite the protests, the FIA declared it legal, leaving teams who had not initially used the design rushing to develop their own - with some going so far as to state the affair played a significant part in shaping the outcome of the season.
The design, though, could be banned in time for the 2011 season as F1 teams consider ways in which to cut downforce and slow down the cars.
"I think it is exactly right," Lotus' chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne told
Autosport when asked for his thoughts on any ban.
"It is what we should do, and it is what both FOTA and the FIA are looking at for 2011. I think it is very sensible and very easy to do - just tighten up the regulations and it is done."
Gascoyne, though, does not think the design was at least in part to blame for the lack of overtaking last season - a situation the new rules were supposed to improve.
"I don't think there was a reduction in overtaking, but the changes to improve overtaking didn't help. And in fact, if you look at the numbers, it was never going to," he added.
"But if you look at it carefully, what the [F1 teams'] aero group set out to achieve it actually did, and if you take the diffuser away it will do exactly what it said on the tin. Unfortunately that will never help you overtake anyone."
