A number of Formula 1 teams have been in talks with the FIA in recent weeks over suspicions that an unnamed team had found a way to adjust the settings of a front underbody element called a T-Tray in ‘closed’ conditions between qualifying and the race.
Changing the T-Tray setting provides a significant aerodynamic benefit by affecting the ground clearance of the vehicle. T-Tray allows you to set the optimal ground clearance for the car with an empty tank during qualifying conditions and with a full tank during the race distance. However, this is contrary to technical regulations, which prohibit changes to the car’s aerodynamic configuration beyond the front wing in a ‘closed park’ environment.
Rumor has it that one of the teams has found a way to change the T-Tray settings from the cockpit while the mechanics perform the standard procedure of preparing the car for the race. The FIA has not yet found conclusive evidence that any team has used this solution, but from the US Grand Prix onwards the T-Tray inspection procedure will change.
“Any adjustment to the T-Tray in park conditions is strictly prohibited by regulations,” an FIA official said of the situation. “While we have not received any evidence that any team is using such a system, the FIA remains vigilant and is continually strengthening its oversight of the sport.
As part of this work, we have made procedural changes to ensure that the T-Tray settings cannot be easily changed. In some cases this may include the use of a seal to provide additional assurance of compliance.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
