Haug: « No chance for the Silver Arrows in Malaysia »

After the overwhelming domination of Brawn GP during the season opener in Melbourne, Mercedes-Motorsport director Norbert Haug highlighted a two-speed Formula 1 and criticized the unclear aspects of the F1 specifications. The Swabian seeks explanations regarding the highly controversial diffuser of Ross Brawn’s cars, which were incredibly effective last weekend: « We must have regulations that are explicit. This must be the absolute goal. »

During a conference call, Haug also emphasized that McLaren-Mercedes was preparing on its side « according to the rules ». The FIA Court of Appeal is expected to give a definitive ruling in Paris on April 14 on the legal interpretation of the regulations. Brawn GP drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello had indeed celebrated a one-two finish in Melbourne with the cars involved in this case.

What is certain, in any case, is that all the teams will meanwhile begin to test the double diffuser. In fact, reacting only after the FIA Court of Appeal’s verdict would already be too late. Looking more closely at the 2009 calendar, the Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled for April 19, and a week later the Bahrain race will take place. Finally, May 10 will mark the return of F1 to Europe, and by then, the silver arrows want to make up for their delay compared to their competitors.

As for the second round of the championship, there is no chance for McLaren-Mercedes to relive the surprise of Melbourne with Lewis Hamilton’s 3rd place, according to Norbert Haug. He is betting more on another show of strength from the Brawnies: “I don’t believe he drove as fast as he could,” he said regarding Button’s victory.

The reason for this superiority is, from the competition’s point of view, that famous diffuser, which results from the fact that three teams have interpreted the rules in their own way.

« Questions regarding the interpretation of the regulations, such as in the case of the diffuser, which strongly influences the aerodynamics of the cars, must be clarified. And this before the season », added the German. Indeed, according to him, there is a risk that mid-way through the world championship many teams might have to reinvest enormous sums of money to modify the cars. Norbert Haug’s reasoning obviously highlights the drastic economic restrictions desired by the FIA, which are utopian if the regulations are not explicitly clarified.