Renault not targeting rivals with 'oil burn' clarification

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Renault insists it was not targeting any rival manufacturer in particular when it sought clarification from the FIA over a suspected 'burning oil as fuel' ploy.

Red Bull Racing believes that rival Mercedes could have been exploiting a scheme involving burning oil as fuel to generate a power boost in qualifying.

It queried the FIA just before pre-season testing got underway in Barcelona, with the governing body responding by confirming that using oil in such a way was indeed illegal.

Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul applauded the clarification which put to rest the question of the legality of the stratagem.

"Clarification of regulations is always very important, whether it is suspension or whether it is fuel systems, but also oil," Abiteboul told Autosport.

"We are right now in the period of the year where you have lots of traffic [communication] going around - that is important.

"We were not attacking anyone in particular. But we needed to make sure that it is clear to everyone, and it can be properly monitored and enforced that fuel should remain the primary combustible used in F1."

FIA reminds teams of illegal 'oil as fuel' ploy

Abiteboul believes the complexities of F1's current systems have led to team's exploiting areas which are not policed by clear and direct regulations, thus creating loopholes.

"We can refer to the spirit of the regulations - the combustibles are clear for everyone that they should be fuel - but having said that any engine will burn oil," Abiteboul added.

"But whether you burn oil for lubrication or as a combustible is something completely different.

"What we feel is that we need to be extremely clear about what should be the spirit, and we need to be clear also and that should be the FIA's responsibility to make sure that it is enforceable.

" I accept that it is challenging."

The FIA actually probed Mercedes back in 2015, checking its oil tanks for additives at the Canadian Grand Prix but it was subsequently cleared of any suspicions.

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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.