FIA bans advanced damper system
Thursday, 20, July, 2006, 18:38
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Formula 1’s governing body has outlawed an advanced damper system used by Renault and several other teams.
The system uses a mass suspended inside the dampers to equalise tyre bouncing frequencies under heavy loads, for example when cars are cornering or in contact with a kerb.
This reduces pitch and ensures a more constant level of grip, thus improving performance.
It is believed that Renault pioneered the use of ‘mass dampers’ – although the team has not been prepared to confirm this – and similar systems have since been developed by rival teams including Ferrari and Red Bull Racing.
Although the system has raised eyebrows in some corners of the paddock, until now it has been deemed legal by the FIA.
Now, however, the governing body has decided that mass dampers fall foul of Article 3.15 of F1's technical regulations, which states that all devices influencing aerodynamic performance “must be rigidly secured to the entirely sprung part of the car” and “must remain immobile in relation to the sprung part of the car”.
The FIA has concluded that mass dampers contravene this rule because the mass suspended inside the dampers is designed to move freely.
Even though dampers are usually regarded as mechanical rather than aerodynamic components of the car, they could be held to “influence aerodynamic performance”.
As a result, the use of mass dampers will henceforth be prohibited.
It is not clear what effect this ruling will have on the competitive state of play in F1.
But with the title battle delicately poised between Renault and Ferrari and the summer testing ban about to come into force, it may tip the scales one way or the other.
