Some non-compliant rear wings?

During the Rally of Finland, meetings were organized between the four teams competing in the championship and members of the FIA. Met at the end of these, Yves Matton details their content and consequences.

« While working on its aero kit, a manufacturer studied the fins of other cars, explained the boss of the Rallies to the FIA. He then realized that there were disparities and, before investing in his new package, he requested clarification. "

The regulations say that the spoiler must not protrude more than 50 mm from the rear bumper and that it must take the shape of the latter. If it is curved, as on almost all cars, it should also have a curved profile.

Or, un aileron dépassait de 80 mm (soit 30 mm de trop) et sa forme était droite au-dessus du pare-chocs. Cette description porte les soupçons sur Toyota. Afin que cette clarification ne se transforme pas en une (ou plusieurs) demande(s) de réclamation à l’issue d’une épreuve ou de la saison, la FIA a décidé d’apporter une réponse au problème.

« After receiving this request for clarification, we worked with the manufacturers, explains Yves Matton. We didn't want this question to drag on, as some people wanted to adapt their aero package. A working group was therefore quickly formed.

Following this, we asked all the teams involved to resubmit to us an approval of their rear wing. The regulations on this part of the WRC is very complex with different conditions which combine and which have led to different interpretations. »

What about the solution? “ We have taken a position on the interpretation of this point of regulation and have asked all manufacturers to come back into compliance, Matton replies. We have made an action plan and it should be done for the Turkey rally (September 12-15. Editor’s note).

At the start of this rally, all cars will respond to the interpretation of the regulations that we have decided to adopt. There will be only one possible interpretation. » In two races, cars running since January 2017 will therefore (finally!) meet the rules in force.

For Yves Matton, the problem goes back to the approval of the cars. “ To have the odds, you have to make a mix between the racing car and the production car. Perhaps we weren't clear enough and didn't see that there were different interpretations.

On the other hand, all manufacturers have had access to homologation forms since cars existed and no one has ever put their finger on it. » If everyone will be “legal” in Turkey, it remains to be seen what the gains in performance have been – with their impact at the various championships – and who has benefited from the crime…