“If those aspects are true and it’s not enough, then it’s not enough.”
The build-up to the 2012 season has been largely dominated by criticism of the
new ‘ugly’ breed of Formula One machines, many of which feature large kinks
in their noses to comply with new safety regulations.
Lotus’ E20 is no exception, joining the new Ferrari, Force India and Caterham
cars in opting for a ‘stepped-nose’ solution to the new rules.
McLaren are so far the only team to have gone with a more
aesthetically-pleasing, gradual curved nose.
All eyes will be on Red Bull’s new challenger, which is launched on Monday.
Chief technical officer Adrian Newey has built the fastest car in each of the
past three seasons and many feel that the direction he has taken will
indicate which solution is most effective.
Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Dr Helmut Marko said that the RB8 will
feature a ‘stepped nose’, though not as dramatic as the one on Ferrari’s
F2012.
Asked about the Ferrari, Marko said: “We have something that looks a lot
better. Our car is not as ugly as the Ferrari, but it’s also not like the
McLaren, which doesn’t have a kink in the nose at all.
“Ours is just a bit smaller and more elegant (than the Ferrari
solution).”
There have been whispers in the build-up to Jerez that some teams’
interpretations of the 2012 rules, particularly those concerning the blowing
of exhaust gases, are bordering on illegal.
Such talk is commonplace at this time of year. Recent seasons have featured
major rows over, amongst other things, the ‘double diffuser’, the ‘F-duct’
and ‘blown diffusers’ Telegraph Sport understands that
Charlie Whiting, the FIA’s technical director, will be in Jerez on Wednesday
to have a close look at the cars.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has already said that he hopes the new
season will not be overshadowed by a controversy over the new rules.
“I am sure in the forthcoming season the regulations will have to be trusted
in a transparent way, and we trust the FIA to view these regulations with
the right spirit,” said the Italian.
Testing begins on Tuesday with Jenson Button driving the first two days for
McLaren before Lewis Hamilton takes over for Thursday and Friday.