Last week we reported that the FIA had asked Mclaren to change their diffuser before the Australian GP, due to a rather enlarged starter motor opening.
The regulations issued prior to the season allow for a hole in the diffuser, the hole enables the team to insert the starter motor into the ignition at the back of the car. The regulations however don’t state how big the hole can be, therefore teams have used ‘exotically’ shaped starter motors, giving them a bigger hole which results in greater downforce.
It’s now clear that four teams diffusers are in question; McLaren, Mercedes and two others who are yet to be revealed.
The FIA confirmed it would clarify the rules surrounding the starter motor hole before the Australian GP and that is what they have done.
According to Autosport, the FIA has sent a note to all the teams, clarifying the rules – giving a maximum dimension.
The four teams will now have to alter their diffuser design before round two of the championship next week.