FIA gives clarity: teams warned on 'trick suspension' designs!

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As expected, the FIA has issued a tech brief to teams clarifying its stance on the 'trick suspension' concept brought to the forefront by Ferrari earlier this year.

Teams have been debating with the governing body the legality of the hydraulic suspension systems, notably those run previously by Mercedes and Red Bull which have been further developed and now appear to exceed the legal boundaries, although this may be a matter of interpretation.

According to Autrosport, the FIA has earmarked five key areas or components where it will seek compliance.

- Any system that changes how the car responds to body accelerations.

- No direct coupling between the ride height function and the braking system or the steering system.

- Right height control via self-levelling.

- Direct coupling between the role and heave parts of the suspension.

- The storing of energy for delayed deployment or any system that would result in non-incidental asymmetry in the response to changes in load applied to the wheels.

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The FIA is hoping the brief will ensure that teams fully comprehend what will be required to do to prove their systems are deemed in compliance.

Red Bull Racing is rumored to include a system operating beyond the fringes of legality, although team boss Christian Horner believes it is within the regulations.

"The FIA appear to be happy with the way we have interpreted the rules," said Horner.

"If anybody has a problem with that, they have the right to protest. We can only go on the advice we receive from the governing body.

"Certainly all the feedback we've had has been: no issue."

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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.