McLaren call for clarity

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has called for clarity in the wake of the latest technical furore to hit Formula One.

Ahead of Sunday's German Grand Prix, Red Bull avoided punishment by the stewards after FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer had called into question the engine torque map of the cars of reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber.

The stewards, however, made clear they did not agree with the argument of Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey and representatives from engine supplier Renault.

But as the map being used did not contravene the regulations, the stewards were unable to take action, leaving Vettel and Webber free to race.

However, there is a meeting of Formula One's Technical Working Group tomorrow during which the matter is certain to be raised, and in Whitmarsh's case, hopefully clarified.

"It is a good opportunity," said Whitmarsh.

"If there is a decision you are allowed to do that then everyone is going to spend a lot of money running that sort of map, and doing it as quickly as they can.

"If that's what it's going to be, it's got to be.

"Clearly the FIA are frustrated by it, so it would be better for there to be clarity and to stop doing it in future."

Asked as to the advantages provided, Whitmarsh added: "Not on another car. I'd struggle on our car, but it is an advantage.

"You don't do things that are challengeable unless there is a performance advantage.

"Obviously, though, I don't know the data on their car."

The suggestion is the throttle is more open than it should be for a given accelerator position, with the effect being an increase in air through the engine, which is then used to aid aerodynamics and downforce.

Whilst teams can use exhaust gases to blow over certain areas of the rear bodywork, they cannot alter the torque maps for greater engine performance which would in turn produce more gases.

Speakng to Press Association Sport, a defiant Horner said: "The car complies with the regulations.

"We presented all the facts and they (the stewards) were happy with that information, so it draws a line under the matter.

"It was important to have clarity going into the race.

"Such a situation is never ideal in a build up to a grand prix, it was a distraction, but it was dealt with swiftly, fairly, and we believe the right conclusion came out.

"I can understand why they wanted a bit more information, but they were very happy with what they saw, hence the judgment the car complies."

Asked about the FIA not accepting "all the arguments", Horner added: "That's the interpretation of the rules.

"But the rules are black and white, so as with all these things with many aspects of the car, it's sometimes how you interpret rules.

"That's the nature of Formula One."

With regard to the TWG meeting, Horner said: "It's probably the best forum to talk about it."