FIA working on standard bodywork kit to reduce tyre spray

The FIA is conducting a study to define a package of parts for F1 cars that would suppress tyre spray during wet weather conditions.

Wet races this year have seen a majority of drivers complain about visibility issues, with feedback suggesting that F1's latest generation ground effect cars are throwing up much more spray than their predecessors, a "key determinant" according to the FIA in suspending sessions.

At this week's F1 Commission meeting held at Yas Marina, the governing body summarized several areas where solutions could be applied to reduce the volume of spray generated by cars.

• Read also: Verstappen offers to help Pirelli improve wet weather tyre

The FIA's study is looking at defining a standard bodywork kit, like the use of wheel arches that would "suppress the tyre spray" generated when running in wet conditions.

However, the use of such minimal bodywork must not "unduly hinder" pitstop changes.

The study will also assess "the contribution of surface water picked up through the underfloor tunnels to understand its significance" to the existing tyre spray problem.

Additional benefits such as extra lights will also be considered, while it was noted that any spray suppression devices would only be fitted before a race or during red flag periods due to extreme weather conditions.

The FIA said that “preliminary work and an initial concept were presented to the Commission, and the FIA will continue to work to refine the proposals, with further updates anticipated in 2023”.

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