Formula One 2007: McLaren F1 thinks Ferrari may be cheating

Says "we will know after a few races."

BY OUR AUTOMOBILES CORRESPONDENT

March 20, 2007: Oh no, not again. It seems that every new season of Formula One, there is a new accusation against Ferrari. Last year, there were the controversies of the 'flexing wing' on the Ferrari F1 cars and the box tire-warmers. The first F1 race of the season got over this weekend at Melbourne, Australia - and Ferraris were faster than others. Two days later, this is what we get to hear. They may be up to some trickery, if one were to believe paddock rumors.

Rivals seem to think that the underbody of the Ferrari F200) cars 'moves' when the cars are at speed. Effectively, the underbody moves a minimal fraction down, and this gives the car an unfair speed boost. Lower the body, more the speed - the gap between the underbody of an F1 car and the track is strictly defined by the FIA.

Rumors are also that the FIA - the motorsports governing body - is also looking into the issue.

McLaren team principal, Ron Dennis, when asked about the rumor, said that he would see how things turn out in two or three races. It takes a race or two to know exactly what is legal and not legal.

This is because often, the rival teams' interpretations of rules differ, however much the FIA might try to be specific. And controversies rage, and sometimes things go to court, sometimes teams which insist on doing their way get disqualified. But most of the times, someone raises a question, the team in question replies and FIA comes to a conclusion which everyone abides by. This is too is likely to go the same way.

A Ferrari spokesperson said that such questioning is normal every time they are faster than the others, and there have been questions on legality before.

Last year too, towards the end of the season, Fernando Alonso in his Renault had to face similar questions about the car and make adjustments to the car.