The diffusers of the BGP001, TF109, and FW31 compliant!

Four teams have lodged protests against the legality of the rear diffuser on the Brawn GP, Toyota, and Williams cars.

The information circulated in the paddocks of Albert Park this Thursday while the aerodynamics had been declared legal by the FIA stewards before the 2009 season.

« There are different interpretations of the rules, and we need clarity as soon as possible, » stated the BMW-Sauber team boss, Mario Theissen.

It is understood that Ferrari, Renault, and Red Bull are three of the four teams protesting against Brawn GP, Williams, and Toyota. The fourth is therefore either Toro Rosso, McLaren, Force India, or BMW.

In the end, Brawn GP, Williams, and Toyota were given the green light to participate in the Australian Grand Prix with their diffuser. The stewards thus rejected the protest.

After more than four hours of discussions between the union delegates and the various teams involved in the case, the FIA issued a statement confirming that the cars are legal.

« We are pleased with the decision of the race management, but we prefer not to make any further comments on the situation, » stated the President of Toyota Motorsport, Tadashi Yamashina.

This Grand Prix weekend promises to be very exciting. We are now looking forward to starting the free practice on Friday.

Ferrari, Renault, and Red Bull Racing protested against their competitors because they believed the designs of their diffusers were not compliant. BMW-Sauber also had to join this wave of protests, but its complaint was dismissed because it was not submitted in time.

However, as had been anticipated, the teams have confirmed their appeal against this decision. A hearing before the FIA International Court of Appeal is now necessary.

Such a meeting can only take place after the Malaysian Grand Prix, which means that Brawn GP, Williams, and Toyota are not in the clear for the race in Sepang in a week.