FIA looking to outlaw Mercedes 'active suspension' device

The FIA and rival teams want to cover up a loophole in the rules that Mercedes have been able to exploit this year.

According to Auto Motor und Sport in Germany, Mercedes has a hydraulic roll and height control system - similar to the 'FRIC' system which was outlawed in 2014.

Mercedes' solution uses the step in the chassis, a controversial regulation introduced in 2012 which has since been covered up by the use of a 'vanity panel', to mimic active suspension. The system is said to be hidden under the 'vanity panel'.

"The other teams now recognise the trick and put it on the agenda for the technical meeting on the Tuesday after Monza," said Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt, adding that the FIA are looking to outlaw the system soon but it would require the agreement of all the teams - including Mercedes - to change the regulations in time for the 2017 season.

Replies (1)

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  • Why not make it so that every team can take part of the drawings on that component? Banning it will likely not unbalance Mercedes, but allowing the other teams to use it could give the other teams a nice boost.

    • + 0
    • Sep 13 2016 - 21:31

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