In Jerez Sauber evaluated a chassis vent similar in style to the one Ferrari used on the F2008's nosecone back in 2008. At the time it was a significant innovation, allowing airflow from under the car to pass to the top of the chassis to improve the car's overall aero balance. But the solution was banned by the FIA from 2009 when holes in the nose's lower section were outlawed. Sauber's new take on the solution, however, is perfectly legal thanks to its location and smaller size. The benefit of running the vent is thus much diminished, but in theory it should help reattach the airflow as it passes over the large step in the C31's nose.