After several F1 teams discussed the possibility of an unspecified team exploiting the regulations, FIA is now in action. This time, the commotion is not about a flexi wing trick; instead, there is something more serious. According to a report, one of the ten teams is allegedly circumventing the Parc ferme regulations.
The Parc Ferme rule in F1 is crucial in providing equal ground to every team. It is a set of regulations that limits the changes a team can make to its car between qualifying and the race. Once qualifying is over, the cars are placed in a secured area (Parc Ferme) and are under surveillance. The teams can’t make any aerodynamical or suspension-related changes, while tire management is allowed. However, a recent rumor has shocked the entire paddock as one of the teams is allegedly making a drastic change to its setup after the qualifying.
Suspicion Grows Over Mystery Team Allegedly Exploiting Parc Ferme Rule
A report from Autosport explained that a certain team was manipulating the car configuration during the Parc Ferme period. This resulted in conversations between the rivals and FIA over the past few weeks. At the same time, the names of the teams included in the discussions remain unknown. Moreover, the accused squad is altering the clearance of its car, which is the T-ray or front bib. By altering the car’s height, the team gains a significant advantage as it can change the height during low-fuel qualifying while altering the setup before the Sunday race.
This is a clear breach of FIA regulations, as changing the height makes a significant shift in the aerodynamic constraint. As per Article 40.2, “The aerodynamic set up of the front wing may be adjusted using the existing parts. No parts may be added, removed or replaced,” prohibiting any change that modifies the aero components.
However, the teams cannot make such changes from the outside, as the car is under complete supervision. Therefore, it is believed that the team under question might have designed the car cleverly so that changes could be made in the cockpit. A mechanic could do this during a regular check before the race, and it is almost impossible to detect.
FIA Still Searching For Evidence Of Regulation Breach
The governing body of Formula 1, the FIA, has stated that, to date, there is no definitive evidence of any rule violations concerning team regulations. However, in response to concerns raised by various teams, the FIA plans to implement changes to the parc fermé procedures.
While the specifics of these changes are still being determined, they may include the use of seals on devices that have the potential to adjust certain components. The FIA emphasizes that the regulations explicitly prohibit any modifications to the front bib clearance during parc fermé conditions.
Although there has been no indication that any team has utilized such a system, the FIA remains committed to closely monitoring the sport and enhancing its enforcement measures. As part of this effort, procedural adjustments will be made to ensure that front bib clearance cannot be easily altered. In some instances, this may involve applying seals to provide additional assurance of compliance with the regulations.
