Force India: Suspension row could escalate in Melbourne!

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Force India Andy Green believes the threat of a full-blown conflict over the 'trick' suspension system concept could overshadow next month's Australian GP.

An ongoing debate over the 'pre-loaded' suspension systems used by Mercedes and Red Bull was fueled by Ferrari's letter to F1 race director Charlie Whiting asking for clarification.

In the absence of a resolution adopted by the teams during recent talks, the FIA has promised an updated technical directive before pre-season testing gets underway clarifying exactly how much a suspension system can impact aerodynamics.

Force India tech boss Andy Green insisted however that his team, which has been evaluating its own advanced hydraulic concept, would be watching proceedings from the wings.

"We will stand back and see how it develops and then react to it like we normally do," he said.

"We have been testing various concepts for a while now, and each has got some merits.

"We really want to see how the tyres perform, what the balance is, and where the weakness of the tyres is so we can then attack that with a mechanical solution.

"We cannot have all the options on the table ready and waiting, depending on what Pirelli's tyre performs like. So we have to wait."

F1 leaning towards active suspension, and even 4x4!

In Green's view the matter should have been put to rest a long time ago by the teams when they had the opportunity to do so.

"I would have liked some more clarity on the suspension side," Green said.

"That really had muddied the waters and it is unnecessary. It is under the skin. I don't think it is great for the show.

"The fans don't know any difference and it can be incredibly complicated the systems that are being run - and expensive. They are marginal gains for quite substantial expense.

"I would have liked to have seen all of that nipped in the bud a bit earlier, and not been allowed to develop to where it has got to now."

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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.