Diffuser appeal hearing underway in Paris today

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/4/9170.html

The FIA’s International Court of Appeal meets in Paris on Tuesday to consider the legality of the diffusers used by the Brawn, Toyota and Williams teams at the first two Grands Prix of 2009. Whatever the outcome, the Court’s decision is likely to have a huge impact on this year’s title chase.

The revised technical regulations for 2009, designed to cut downforce, specify a much smaller rear diffuser. Brawn, Toyota and Williams have interpreted the rules differently to their rivals and have adapted other areas of bodywork to effectively enlarge their diffusers.

Stewards at both the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and the second round in Malaysia declared the ‘double-decker’ designs, which use bodywork openings to feed them more air, legal. However, BMW Sauber, Ferrari, Red Bull and Renault have all appealed the stewards’ findings, questioning whether the diffusers adhere to the wording and spirit of the regulations.

Should the Court agree with them, it could in theory strip Brawn, Toyota and Williams of their points from Melbourne and Sepang, which would dramatically alter the face of the championship table. Alternatively, it could insist they change their diffusers for a more ‘conventional’ design.

If the Court deems the diffusers legal, then it will leave the other seven teams on the grid playing catch-up. Many have already begun development of similar diffuser designs - thought to be worth as much as half a second per lap - which, if required, could be introduced as early as the Bahrain Grand Prix later this month.

A decision is expected from the Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Lets see what the outcome is. Either way, there would be at least a couple of teams that are seriously affected in this year's championships.

The Official Formula 1 Website

The FIA International Court of Appeal (ICA) has rejected protests against the diffusers used by the Brawn, Toyota and Williams teams, after concluding that their ‘double decker’ designs comply with the 2009 regulations.

BMW Sauber, Ferrari, Red Bull and Renault had all questioned the legality of the diffusers, but following Tuesday’s hearing in Paris, the ICA decided that race stewards in Australia and Malaysia had made the right call in declaring them legal.

Full statement from the FIA:
The FIA International Court of Appeal has decided to deny the appeals submitted against decisions numbered 16 to 24 taken by the Panel of the Stewards on 26 March at the 2009 Grand Prix of Australia and counting towards the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Based on the arguments heard and evidence before it, the Court has concluded that the Stewards were correct to find that the cars in question comply with the applicable regulations.

Full reasons for this decision will be provided in due course.

Time for Ferrari and Mclaren to play catchup

Yup...the car design is Legal & have been cleared for race for Chinese Grand Prix...last hope for Ferrari IMO....they have to buck up

How long would they take to catch up, would be the question of the hour now. Lets see if they become competitive within the next 3 to 4 races. Else they'll have to think of 2010 season only.

The point is has the damage been done?
3-4 races is a long time and if Button say wins those 3 races, its virtually game over for the rest of the teams. Certainly the constructors championship.

but still what are the chances of other cars coming together and apealing again. is that diffuser making so much difference that no other car can overtake those cars???
sorry for the noob question

I don't know where else can they appeal. Probably ICA was the last resort and it has rejected the protests. And the controversial diffuser design is supposedly increasing the car speeds by almost half a second a lap; thats a LOT in terms of F1 speeds where races are won or lost in milliseconds.

Last heard Renault may already use a modified diffuser for Chinese GP but I'm not sure if its true. The other teams will need some time to get their cars up and running with a new diffuser. Ferrari will use one from the Spanish GP but don't expect to have any significant gains. For that they'll have to completely change the aerodynamics of the car. Haven't heard anything from McLaren yet. They may be having a tough time dealing with other issues more important than this one.

It seems McLaren and Hamilton got a new diffuser kit for this race. That explains Hamilton's speed. Kovi is still using the old specs that was used in Malaysia and as a result was a lot behind his team-mate. Its clear that McLaren don't believe in treating their drivers equally.

Originally Posted by QF

It seems McLaren and Hamilton got a new diffuser kit for this race. That explains Hamilton's speed. Kovi is still using the old specs that was used in Malaysia and as a result was a lot behind his team-mate. Its clear that McLaren don't believe in treating their drivers equally.

That coming from a Ferrari fan sure does look funny..!!