Towards a Disappearance of Multi-Level Snouts in 2013?
The 2012 season saw the emergence of what were called platypus noses or stepped noses, following a rule change on the front part of the single-seaters. But this could change again for 2013.
For 2012, the Formula 1 technical regulations were modified by the FIA, lowering the maximum height of Formula cars’ noses for safety reasons, without changing the limit for the rest of the chassis. This resulted in stepped noses, which were more effective in terms of airflow to the diffuser than a more sloping nose.
But, in addition to not being a safer solution than before, many observers believe it has made the cars less attractive, and even before the start of the season, a regression for 2013 was mentioned.
New information confirms a possible regulation change to avoid having a stepped nose on F1 cars in 2013. Charlie Whiting, FIA race director and technical delegate, recently told the newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo that the governing body was aware that this feature was not very popular: The FIA is aware of the fans’ dissatisfaction with the appearance of this year’s cars.
But beyond a simple awareness, the FIA is said to have decided to reverse this rule. At least, that’s what the German publication *Auto Motor und Sport* claims, stating that Charlie Whiting met with the technical directors of the various teams to discuss this point, and it emerged that the implementation of this step on the front nose will no longer be mandatory for 2013.
However, according to several observers, even if the rule changes for 2013, teams might decide to retain this system if they consider it to be more effective from a performance standpoint.
