Formula One 2010: McLaren confident of wing legality ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix

Date published : 04 Mar 2010 - 11:29:15

Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner admitted on Wednesday that his team had asked the FIA for clarification regarding the legality of McLaren's innovative design, which uses the airbox and engine cover to help stall the rear wing of the MP4-25 - giving the car a straight-line speed advantage of roughly six miles per hour. "There's a bit of a fuss over McLaren's rear wing," Horner said. "They have a slot on it and they can pick up a lot of straight-line speed.  Related ArticlesUS F1 must re-apply for next year as Stefan GP bid rejectedHamilton and Button fear being "beaten up" by SchumacherClarification sought on McLaren rear wingHamilton: Button can push me to F1 world titleLiverpool to be F1 trackLewis Hamilton's parting with father makes sense"I think it will get resolved before the first race. We've asked the FIA for clarification although I think Ferrari are probably more excited than we are to be honest. "Our question ultimately will be: 'Is it clever design or is it in breach of the regulations'?" He added: "They must be very confident that it's legal. I would think it will be legal." Team principal Martin Whitmarsh is convinced of it. 'The wing is different and innovative, yes,' Whitmarsh told Telegraph Sport on Thursday. 'We have been in contact with Charlie [Whiting, the FIA's technical director] over a period of several months to check that it complies with regulations. We have been assured that it does.' A spokesman for the Woking-based team added: "We're very confident that our car is entirely legal - and we're not aware of any protest. "In fact, we've spoken to Ferrari this morning and they're not aware of any protest either."