Renault: DAS may be legal out on track but not in parc ferme
Mercedes’ new-for-2020 dual axis steering may be legal out on track, but Renault has raised questions about whether it remains so in parc ferme.
What is DAS?
Last Thursday Mercedes debuted DAS, the team’s dual axis steering system, during testing at the Circuit de Catalunya.
DAS is a system controlled by the steering wheel that allows the driver to change the toe of the front wheels to toe-in or toe-out.
When it is in it improves drag reduction down the straights while out helps with cornering.
Being able to change the toe, which is done by pushing or pulling on the steering wheel, also improves tyre life.
Confusion over DAS’ legality
Mercedes has stated that DAS is “completely legal”, but of course the team would, it is their design.
The regulations governing such a system all depend on whether the FIA views DAS as a suspension change.
If motorsport’s governing body does, it is illegal.
“No adjustment may be made to any suspension system while the car is in motion,” states Article 10.2.3 of F1’s Technical Regulations.
But, if it is not seen as a suspension change then it is legal as it only re-aligns the front wheels of the W11.
“Any steering system which permits the re-alignment of more than two wheels is not permitted,” reads Article 10.4.1.
Even more confusion when the car is parc ferme
Adding to the confusion, Renault has now questioned whether DAS will be legal when the car is in parc ferme – even if it when the W11 is out on track.
The parc ferme rules state: “A competitor may not modify any part on the car or make changes to the set-up of the suspension whilst the car is being held under parc ferme conditions.
“In order that the scrutineers may be completely satisfied that no alterations have been made to the suspension systems or aerodynamic configuration of the car [with the exception of the front wing] whilst in pre-race parc ferme, it must be clear from physical inspection that changes cannot be made without the use of tools.”
Given that DAS is controlled by moving the steering wheel, the toe of the front wheels is changed ‘without the use of tools’.
That, Renault’s sporting director Alan Permane says, could make DAS illegal when the car is under parc ferme conditions from the split second qualifying begins until the start of the grand prix.
He explained to Autosport: “We don’t know what it is doing. James Allison and his men have done something clever, and undoubtedly they think there is plenty of lap time in it.
“I’m sure they’ve been through it with probably Nikolas [Tombazis], the FIA and his guys and are happy it’s legal. I agree.
“There’s probably a parc ferme question mark over it, but I suspect that the detail lies in is it a steering system or is it suspension system?
“The two in the technical regs are defined differently and that’s where the detail is.”
Rivals have already written to the FIA requesting clarification, however, that may only come after the Australian GP so expect a protest or three.
No comments: