Renault prepared to use new diffuser

Readiness revealed at FIA Court of Appeal hearing The lawyer representing Renault at the diffuser hearing in Paris on Tuesday confirmed the French team is ready to deploy its own version of the controversial design...  

Fernando Alonso: 'With all the fights, this may be F1's worst year ever'

You have to love Fernando Alonso. Apart from Mark Webber, the 27-year-old Spaniard is the only star in Formula One who tells it like it is. He shoots straight from the hip, and his aim devastates political correctness. He believes that the endless politicking is killing the sport, and he says so.

Ferrari: Brawn 'supremely arrogant'

• Arguments fly during opening exchanges in Paris• Brawn accuses former employers of being 'vindictive'Ross Brawn has been described as "a person of supreme arrogance" by Ferrari's lawyer as the hearing into formula one's diffuser row opened today.Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull Racing and BMW Sauber squared up against Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams in front of five judges representing motor racing's International Court of Appeal.At the heart of the matter is the conceptual design of the diffuser – an aerodynamic body part that aids performance – towards the rear of the cars being used by the three teams in the firing line.At the FIA headquarters, overlooking the Place de la Concorde in Paris, Brawn and motor sport's world governing body were singled out for criticism.Nigel Tozzi QC, Ferrari's legal representative, drew reference to an emotional statement made by Brawn as part of his team's submissions. In it, Brawn claims the appeal is "vindictive," and "for people too slow off the mark".However, Tozzi concluded his 90-minute opening remarks by claiming that "only a person of supreme arrogance would think he is right when so many of his esteemed colleagues would disagree".Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams have designed what has become known as a "double-decker diffuser", central to which are two apertures that increase airflow, so aiding downforce that in turn increases speed.Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull Racing and BMW Sauber insist there is nothing in the technical regulations that allow for such "holes".As Tozzi noted: "Anyone with a command of English will tell you it is a hole, so do not let someone attempting to be clever with words defeat the express purpose of the rules."The appeal is not because we have not made the most of an opportunity, but because Brawn, Toyota and Williams have not acted within the regulations."The FIA, and in particular the technical director Charlie Whiting, also came under fire, with Tozzi accusing them of "getting it wrong, and not understanding the point".That appeared to be made clear when Renault's legal representative, Andrew Ford, noted the FIA and Whiting had early last season ruled illegal a design by the French manufacturer similar to that currently being used by Toyota.As Ford remarked: "It is not that Renault missed the boat, as Brawn have pointed out, it is because the FIA said it was illegal." Ford added: "It was at that point the diffuser was abandoned."Ford has confirmed Renault has a prototype diffuser ready to go, potentially for this weekend's race in China, should the appeal be dismissed.Tozzi continued: "The position of the FIA is totally baffling … we urge you to save the FIA from itself."It was pointed out that crucial to the seven teams without the new diffuser is the cost of redevelopment as the part concerned has a bearing on several other elements of a car.Tozzi added: "It was [the FIA president] Max Mosley who said recently that costs must be reduced by limiting the opportunities for technical innovation."If the appeal is dismissed then the claims by the FIA they want to make the sport more attractive and reduce costs will sound hollow."BrawnFerrariToyotaWilliamsSauberRed BullRenaultFormula oneMotor sportguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Chinese GP Review: Renault

It was an afternoon of unrealised potential the ING Renault F1 Team as both Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet ended the Chinese Grand Prix outside the points. Wet conditions saw the race start under the safety car, which impacted on the team’s strategy and meant the team spent the afternoon fighting through the field. Fernando’s eventful race saw him finish in 9th while Nelson came home 16th.

Monaco GP Debrief: Renault

It was a mixed Monaco Grand Prix for the ING Renault F1 Team as Fernando Alonso finished seventh, while teammate Nelson Piquet was taken out in the early stages.

Piquet admits frustration with Renault role

Acknowledging a 'Number Two' status By the Italian and Spanish press, Nelson Piquet has been quoted as expressing frustration about his role alongside Fernando Alonso at Renault...