Renault unfazed by blown wing illegality claims

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Renault has denied that its blown rear wing contravenes F1's rules after rumors of a formal protest from rival teams emerged in Barcelona.

The French manufacturer's new R.S.18 includes a subtle rear end design, where the car's exhausts are cleverly angled to direct the outflow of gases towards the rear wing.

The rules governing blown rear wings were altered this year in a bid to reduce the practice. A ban on "monkey seats" and stringent specifications linked to exhaust positioning have been applied.

Exhaust-blowing new Renault is 'pushing the limits'

Renault technical director Nick Chester is adamant however that the team's controversial angled exhaust layout fully complies with the regulations.

"I haven’t heard anything at the moment," he said when addressing rival team's potential grievances.

"You can put your exhaust in a bodywork box, and we have just got it towards the top of the bodywork box. So so far, no concerns about that."

For astute observers, the presence of special heat-proof shielding on the R.S.18's rear wing was further validation of the deliberate purpose of Renault's design.

Chester minimized the observation however, and the effects of today's blown rear wing concept compared to when elaborate diffusers were the norm.

"Everybody has to have an exhaust and all exhausts are going to blow the rear wing to a degree,' said the engineer.

"The whole reason we came up with the bodywork box for the exhaust was to limit how far you could go. If you run to the top of the bodywork box, I don’t see it as too big a problem."

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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.