When the FIA talks about active suspensions

We recently reported on the dispute between Red Bull and other teams regarding the development of a so-called ‘active’ suspension that would help Vettel and Webber. The car’s height could thus adapt to the fuel load.

A smart car that ‘could’ be very low in qualifications to help with maximum performance, and be higher to compensate for the heavy fuel load during the race. Expected on the subject, the FIA communicates its position to the teams. It reminds that any self-leveling system used to regulate a car’s ride height between qualifications and the race would be considered illegal.

As of Sunday evening, the federation faxed a reminder of the regulations to all teams on the circuit. A spokesperson for the FIA explained the content in a statement:

« Any device or system of procedure designed to and/or having the effect of altering the suspension set-up while the car is under Parc Fermé conditions will be considered contrary to Article 34.5 of the sporting regulations. »

Here is the content of Article 34.5:

« If a competitor modifies any part of the car or makes changes to the suspension setup while the car is under Parc Fermé conditions, the driver concerned must start from the pit lane and follow the procedures set out in Article 38.2. »

During the last race weekend in Sepang, the FIA conducted a thorough inspection of the RB6. No compliance issues were found, and rival teams even mentioned a discovery that would work without using a mechanical system. Another part of the statement suggests that all imagined technical solutions could also be outlawed:

« Furthermore, we believe that any self-leveling shock absorber system is likely to contravene article 3.15 of the technical regulations. »

Here is the content of Article 3.15:

« Aerodynamic influence: With the exception of the cover described in Article 6.5.2 (when used in the pit lane), the driver-adjustable bodywork described in Article 3.18, and the ducts described in Article 11.4, any specific part of the car influencing its aerodynamic performance:

– Doit se conformer aux règles relatives à la carrosserie,

– Doit être fixée rigidement sur la partie entièrement suspendue de la voiture (fixée de façon rigide signifie n’avoir aucun degré de liberté),

– Doit rester immobile par rapport à la partie suspendue de la voiture,

Any device or construction designed to fill the gap between the suspended part of the car and the ground is prohibited under all circumstances.

No part having an aerodynamic influence and no part of the bodywork, except for the skid referred to in Article 3.13, may under any circumstances be located below the reference plane. »

Since last week, statements have been coming one after another. McLaren has announced its intention to develop its own system to exploit the potential of its car when it is running low on fuel. On the Mercedes side, Ross Brawn has been calling for a clarification of the rules.

The theory of the arms race is still relevant in Formula 1. After the war of KERS and the double diffuser, here comes the active suspension and the “F-Duct.” The years go by, and engineers compete with technical expertise to make F1 the pinnacle of motorsport. Often, the one who invents a new system maintains an advantage over the pack of pursuers who copy the original.

So will RBR and McLaren be at the top of the standings at the end of the season? It’s up to the engineers to invent the future…