Red Bull is currently under investigation by the German Grand Prix stewards, with the cars of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber supposedly running with illegal torque maps. Technical delegate Jo Bauer put forward his findings after Saturday's qualifying session, claiming that both cars are in breach of the regulations.
After the 'exhaust-blown diffuser' situation of 2011, a set of rules were put in place to prevent the teams from exploiting the same area of their cars this season. However, according to Bauer, the system being used by Red Bull is still producing an 'artificial' aerodynamic benefit, which opposes a recent technical directive.
"Having examined the engine torque map of cars 1 and 2 it became apparent that the maximum torque output of both engines is significantly less in the mid rpm range than previously seen for these engines at other events," Bauer explained.
"In my opinion this is therefore in breach of Article 5.5.3 of the Technical regulations as the engines are able to deliver more torque at a given engine speed in the mid rpm range. Furthermore this new torque map will artificially alter the aerodynamic characteristics of both cars which is also in contravention of TD 036-11.”
If Red Bull's cars are found to be illegal by the stewards, potential sanctions could range from grid penalties to a total exclusion from the German event.
Further development:
Red Bull escapes penalty through rule loophole
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