Red Bull Claims that Exhaust Design Adheres to Rules

Red Bull is claiming that the exhaust layout on the latest version of its 2012 Formula 1 car adheres to the FIA's rules. The team revealed the reworked exhaust design during the last day of the third round of Formula 1 testing prompting some suspicion from the other teams. 

The new exhaust design moves the outlets very far forward, and the team has holes in the bottom of the car near the exhausts. There is some speculation that the team may have found a way to suck exhaust into the diffuser with the new design. 

FIA technical head Charlie Whiting has issued a statement teams may not have an exhaust layout that redirects exhaust gases for aerodynamic purposes.

"Ultimately it is a matter for the scrutineers and the FIA, as they have more knowledge and sight. Teams only ever get to see photographs; the FIA gets to see the cars close up in reality," said Red Bull Team Boss Christian Horner. 

It appears that Sauber, McLaren and Red Bull are all currently using exhaust layouts that might be pushing the rules. Ferrari experimented with such a system, but according to Ferrari technical boss Pat Fry, it would have taken the team several races to develop it fully. 

"Ultimately I think it is the way to get the most downforce out of the current rules, obviously depending on Charlie's interpretation, so we are continuing to look in that area, as I'm sure is the whole pit lane," said Fry. 

Source: Autosport