» More teams to alter diffuser design

As suspected, at least two more teams are likely to be asked by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, to alter their double diffuser designs prior to scrutineering at next week’s Australian GP.

It was reported at the previous Grand Prix weekend in Bahrain that McLaren’s ~~controversial venting system~~ diffuser design fitted to its MP4-25 must not be present on its car come the next race in Melbourne.

It was alleged that McLaren had ~~tried to cheat~~ exploited a loophole in the rules governing the access points for the external engine starter, making it much larger than really necessary in order to gain another diffuser level.

The British team has apparently agreed to revise its design in time for the next race.

The loophole exists in the technical rules which state that – while an access slot can be created for the starter motor entry – no maximum dimensions have been specified for the access point for the starter motor.

Spain’s El Pais newspaper is now reporting that Renault and Mercedes GP have also been asked to modify their diffusers for the same reason in time for the next race.

Further rumours are linking the same concerns with one or two other teams’ cars, who may also be subject to the ~~wrath~~ inspection of the FIA’s technical delegate Charlie Whiting.

Red Bull’s design guru, Adrian Newey, had also raised his concerns regarding this exercise.

"I will not say names, only that Ferrari is not among them," he is quoted as having said.

Ferrari not among them? Well, that makes a change!

[Image via AUTOSPORT]