Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

FIA absolves Ferrari in alleged wind-tunnel abuse

A recent inspection by an FIA representative confirmed that Ferrari is in full compliance of Formula 1's technical rules with regard to its allocated wind-tunnel use.

Both Mercedes and Red Bull had apparently expressed to the FIA their doubts towards the scale of the Scuderia's upgrades introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, suggesting they could have only been achieved by exploiting the regulations.

Skeptics hinted that the Italian squad had perhaps abused of its dedicated wind-tunnel use time by profiting from aerodynamic development work linked to its 2016 technical partner, Haas F1.

But according to Finnish paper Turun Sanomat, FIA aerodynamic expert Marcin Budkowski paid an unpredicted visit to Maranello last week in order to control Ferrari's wind-tunnel log and check if extended hours had indeed been registered.

The FIA's subsequent review of Budkowski's account concluded there were no abnormal findings that would hint at any breach of current rules regarding wind-tunnel use.

Click here for a look at the FIA's clampdown on front wing flexibility

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.