McLaren racing director Eric Boullier believes the FIA’s potential in-season ban on a clever suspension device will impact on some teams more than others.
FIA race director Charlie Whiting caused a stir amongst the teams this week when he sent a letter threatening to outlaw the front and rear interconnected (FRIC) system from the next race in Germany.
For the track guides, team profiles and the latest standings see our interactive F1 2014 graphic here
FRIC enables the cars to maintain a constant ride height, and is believed to have played a role in Mercedes’ dominance so far this season.
Following a detailed investigation of most of the systems, Whiting feels FRIC contravenes one of the FIA’s catch-all regulations with regard to moveable aerodynamic devices.
There is a possibility the ban could be delayed until next season if all teams unanimously agree for that to happen.
During Tuesday and Wednesday of the in-season test at Silverstone, it is understood all teams ran without the system in case the ban came into force for the grand prix at Hockenheim from July 18-20.
Boullier confirmed Whiting’s directive “came as a total surprise”.
Via a conference call, Boullier added: “It was not based on any team action, it was an FIA action.
“We had been warned at the weekend something could come of this. We got this letter from Charlie Whiting, a technical directive.
“Most of the teams, if not all the teams on the grid, are using this kind of suspension system which better connects the vehicle’s dynamics.
“I think some teams may have been extreme, which is maybe why the FIA is questioning the legality of this system.”
Boullier is confident the McLaren cars will not be adversely affected, but for others it could be a different story.
“In the case of McLaren we are quite relaxed to be honest. We don’t see any issue with it for us,” added Boullier.
“I don’t think there would be too many disturbances for the rest of the season.
“We don’t like it when there is a technical or sporting change during the course of the season, but maybe there is some reason behind why the FIA wants to do it.
“Maybe there are a couple of teams who have been extreme and who could potentially be in trouble in switching back to a non-connecting system.
“I don’t know to be honest. But for most of the teams, I think it won’t be a game-changer.”
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Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
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They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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Install an air filter in your home.
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Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Company name: Nestrom
Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
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