The FIA has moved to eliminate a potential loophole in regards to off-throttle exhaust blowing, after one engine manufacturer highlighted the issue to the governing body.
With the stricter regulations imposed on engine mapping for this season, teams are continually pushing to find new ways of creating added downforce.
Whilst it’s believed no team was yet utilising the ‘loophole’ which centers around the use of engine mapping settings to create unnecessary misfiring, the FIA has decided it best to close it off before the season opening race in Australia.
A software update for the standard ECU will be issued later in March to ensure this route of development cannot be further investigated.
Had a team utilised the loophole, the time gained wouldn’t equate to that seen in 2011 due to the positioning of the exhausts which must now exit at the top of the bodywork. However, with some teams positioning their exhaust exits aggressively, the increased exhaust gases would have proved beneficial.
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