The exhaust designs on the new Caterham and Williams contenders have been declared illegal by governing body the FIA, according to the BBC. Both teams have pushed the regulations to the limit in a bid to make full use of the Coandă effect, but they have now allegedly been told to modify their cars ahead of the opening race.
"The team spoke with the FIA this morning which is when they gave us their view," a Williams spokeswoman explained in the Barcelona paddock. "The team are now seeking further clarification on this and a decision as to whether this design will be carried forward will be made before the first race."
Meanwhile, a Caterham spokesman explained: "We are continuing to evaluate a range of options at the pre-season tests as per our normal program."
The controversy initially arose after the launch of the Caterham CT03 at Jerez, when Lotus Technical Director James Allison argued that the team's exhaust concept would not make it past pre-season testing. Although most outfits are directing airflow to some extent, Caterham and Williams have exploited the rules more significantly.
In Caterham's situation, a turning vane has been placed inside the exhaust channel to control gases in a specific manner. Williams has come up with a similar solution for the FW35, but its design features a small slot in the middle, something which technical chief Mike Coughlan believes makes it legal - as it is technically in two parts.
Unless the FIA's decision is reversed in the coming weeks, it looks likely that both teams will need to change their exhaust exit layouts before the first race in Australia.
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