JULY 22, 2012

Red Bull reported to German GP stewards

FIA F1 technical delegate Jo Bauer has referred Red Bull to the Hockenheim stewards for, in his opinion, being in breach of the technical regulations. With the cars in parc ferme before the race, it means that the team will need to either start from the back of the grid or risk exclusion from the race results if the stewards agree with Bauer's assessment.

Bauer's technical report, issued at 09.55 on race morning, read: "Having examined the engine base torque maps of car numbers 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.

"In my opinion this is therefore in breach of Article 5.5.3 of the 2012 Formula One 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 (Technical Directive) 036-11. I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."

There appears to be two separate issues at hand here, the first being the potential for a form of traction control and the second being the exhaust blowing, which the FIA has tried to limit by its 2012 regulation changes relative to engine maps and prescribed exhaust outlets.

If the stewards agree with Bauer, Red Bull would be faced with needing to take its cars out of par ferme to change the engine map and start for the back of the grid. Alternatively, the team could elect to start from its second (Vettel) and eighth (Webber) positions on the grid and appeal any potential penalty.

Team principal Christian Horner has said that he is not aware of any irregularities.