New flexi-wing tests to affect most teams

(GMM) Almost every formula one team will need to beef up the rigidity of their front wings before the Belgian grand prix late this month.

With the Red Bull and – to a lesser extent – the Ferrari wings visibly bending towards the track at recent races, the FIA advised all teams last Sunday that it will be revising the flexibility load tests.

Previously, the wings had to bend no more than 10mm with 50kg of weight applied to the endplates, but from Spa-Francorchamps the test will double to 100kg/20mm.

The implication is that Red Bull and Ferrari had devised a way to pass the 50kg test with wings that flex only when under proportionately higher loadings.

Italy's La Stampa cited "anonymous sources" in reporting that "almost all teams" will need to adjust their current designs in order to pass the new tests.

A Ferrari source is quoted as saying: "We will adapt but it will not affect our competitiveness."

La Stampa said Fernando Alonso spent all Tuesday on the driver simulator, working on a new aerodynamic package.

"In the seven remaining races, whoever gets six or seven podiums will be the champion," he is quoted by the Spanish press.