The FIA will reportedly implement stricter front-wing load tests for the 2012 season in a bid to outlaw flexible wings, as seen on the Red Bull and most recently the Ferrari.
Prior to 2010, the FIA placed a 50kg weight on the front-wing at predetermined locations, if the wing flexed (downwards) more than 10mm, it would fail the load test.
In 2010, after repeated complaints that Red Bull were breaching the regulations, the FIA increased the weight to 100kg, but in turn allowed a maximum flex of 20mm, thus doubling the limitations.
The change had little effect on Red Bull, with the teams front-wing declared legal, despite the stricter tests.
The scrutineering checks remained stable in 2011, which allowed Ferrari to experiment with flexible wings, however the outfit admitted their attempts hadn’t gone to plan as Felipe Massa’s wing was seen ‘fluttering’ and making contact with the track in both India and Abu Dhabi.
In a bid to stop such an occurrence next season, the FIA will maintain the 100kg rule, but reduce the maximum flex to pre-2010 levels, meaning the wing must flex less or equal to 10mm to pass.
This will most likely deal a blow to Red Bull and Ferrari – if they can get their system working effectively – as the FIA wouldn’t implement such a change unless the current wings were close to the 10mm limit.
