• European Grand Prix

Renault and Mercedes to run blown diffusers in Valencia

Red Bull has employed its blown rear diffuser to good effect © Getty Images

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Renault and Mercedes are set to run their versions of the exhaust-blown diffusers used to such good effect by Red Bull Racing at this weekend's European Grand Prix.

The pioneering device works by blowing exhaust gasses through the diffuser to bring about a significant performance advantage.

Red Bull has employed its low exhausts since pre-season testing, while Ferrari tried out its own version of the concept during a special 'filming day' test at Fiorano in Italy.

According to AUTOSPORT, Renault and Mercedes GP have also adapted their cars to use the system in Valencia although Mercedes may only trial it during Friday free practice.

McLaren engineering director Paddy Lowe said earlier this week that he is concerned that their rivals, Ferrari in particular, could close the performance gap by using the system in Valencia this weekend.

"That is a concern," said Lowe. "I think we'll have to see how they get on with it. It's a shame that some others have been slightly quicker than we were getting it, but we are where we are. I think we'll have to do what we can and see.

"What's very interesting and really great for the interest in the sport is the variation you get in very fine differentials between teams as you go through the different circuits with different characteristics. It's not very predictable."

McLaren and Williams are set to introduce their own versions of the blown diffusers in time for next month's British Grand Prix.

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