The row centres on Thursday’s decision by race stewards in Melbourne to rule that the cars of Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams are all legal. Three teams – Ferrari, Red Bull and Renault – had lodged a protest against them, claiming that a crucial part at the back of their cars, the diffuser, does not conform to new F1 regulations.
Flavio Briatore, Renault’s managing director, was particularly outspoken, labelling the FIA’s race director, Charlie Whiting, as “one policeman in a crowd of bandits”.
“The FIA must sort this out now,” Briatore said. “There have been so many rule changes over the years that fans are confused. It makes a mockery of the championship. Several teams are not operating within the spirit of the rules. It’s just not acceptable for the sport.”
A date has been set for the FIA International Court of Appeal hearing over the diffusers on the Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams cars. It will take place in Paris on April 14 in the week prior to round three of the championship, the Chinese Grand Prix.
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