Wing-gate controversy begins in F1
Reports in the Telegraph and the Daily Mail quoted Christian Horner as saying a slot in the wing is designed to cut drag and increase straight line speed.
"We've asked the FIA for clarification although I think Ferrari are probably more excited than we are to be honest," said the Briton.
In reaction, a McLaren spokesman said: "We're very confident our car is entirely legal — and we're not aware of any protest."
He questioned Horner's claim that Ferrari are "more excited" about the issue than is Red Bull.
"In fact, we've spoken to Ferrari this morning, and they're not aware of any protest either," said the McLaren spokesman.
Subsequent reports said the FIA is not currently concerned about the MP4-25, but has accepted an invitation to study the rear wing in detail.
03/03/10 (GMM) The FIA is set to rule on whether the rear wing on McLaren's 2010 car is legal.
According to the Telegraph, both Red Bull and Ferrari have requested the clarification about a slot on the wing of the MP5-25 designed to reduce drag and add 10kph to the car's speed on straights.
"There's a bit of a fuss over McLaren's rear wing," confirmed Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
"They have a slot on it and they can pick up a lot of straight-line speed. I think it will get resolved before the first race.
"We've asked the FIA for clarification although I think Ferrari are probably more excited than we are to be honest," said the Briton.
Horner said the issue is not as serious as the double diffuser controversy of 2009, but is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying McLaren's wing is "certainly a different device from all of the other teams".
"They must be very confident that it's legal. I would think it will be legal," he admitted.
"Basically, if you stall the wing you take all the drag off it and pick up straight-line speed. It's something that's been done quite a lot over the years but with the wing separators you're not supposed to do that.
"Our question ultimately will be: is it clever design or is it in breach of the regulations?" added Horner.