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Williams drops novel exhaust solution

ESPN Staff
March 1, 2013 « Live F1 testing from Barcelona | Caterham names Rossi and Ma as reserves »
The covers on the Williams exhaust only lasted one test © Sutton Images
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Williams has decided to drop the vanes covering part of its exhaust outlet after consulting the FIA over the legality of the idea.

On its launch the new FW35 featured two bits of bodywork over the exhaust channel that were designed to redirect the flow of the exhaust plume towards the floor of the car. However, after the FIA advised the team they would most likely be considered illegal by the stewards at the opening race, Williams dropped the idea.

"We have done some modifications and now it's changed," chief race engineer Xevi Pujolar said.

Asked if they had challenged the FIA's decision, he added: "No, we just changed it and that's it."

However, Pujolar said the general development of the car had been positive since its first test last week and that the team is confident it has made a big step forwards on the 2012 car it tested at Jerez.

"Last week we had a good test for us but it's difficult to know what everybody is doing," he said. "But if we compare to the previous week in Jerez when we were there with last year's car getting a reference with the tyres, we now just compare the cars and we're happy we've done a step forward. Also we did a lot of mileage last week so we know its reliable and now we need to see what everybody else has done in Melbourne."

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