F1: FIA Set To Rule On McLaren Wing Legality, Rosberg Claims Schumacher No Faster

THE FIA IS SET to rule on whether the rear wing on McLaren's 2010 car is legal.

According to the Telegraph, both Red Bull and Ferrari have requested the clarification about a slot on the wing of the MP5-25 designed to reduce drag and add 10kph to the car's speed on straights.

"There's a bit of a fuss over McLaren's rear wing," confirmed Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

"They have a slot on it and they can pick up a lot of straight-line speed. I think it will get resolved before the first race.

"We've asked

 the FIA for clarification although I think Ferrari are probably more excited than we are to be honest," said the Briton.

Horner said the issue is not as serious as the double diffuser controversy of 2009, but is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying McLaren's wing is "certainly a different device from all of the other teams".

"They must be very confident that it's legal. I would think it will be legal," he admitted.

"Basically, if you stall the wing you take all the drag off it and pick up straight-line speed. It's something that's been done quite a lot over the years but with the wing separators you're not supposed to do that.

"Our question ultimately will be: is it clever design or is it in breach of the regulations?" added Horner.

Rosberg Insists Schumacher Not Faster

Mar.4 (GMM) NICO ROSBERG has refused to acknowledge that Michael Schumacher outpaced him throughout February's winter tests.

The 24-year-old German, who in his four seasons on the grid so far has recorded just two podiums, is this year teamed at Mercedes GP with Schumacher, the most successful formula one driver of all time.

But when asked by Bild newspaper who was the quickest occupant of the W01 this winter, Rosberg answered: "Hard to say.

"We were seldom on the same track on the same day.

"I think Michael respects me a bit more after these tests, which is important to me. Above all, I wanted to show the team that the car runs equally well when I am at the wheel."

Rosberg, whose father Keke Rosberg is the feisty Finnish world champion of 1982, warned that he does not foresee trailing Schumacher in 2010.

Amusingly, he also admitted that perhaps his only weakness is that he is "sometimes too ambitious".

"I will definitely be on a par with him (Schumacher) and win races this year. To do that I have to beat him now and then.

"But Michael is the best racing driver of all time, and certainly not without justification," he said.

Rosberg therefore admits that he or his rivals are not likely to be leaving the 41-year-old in their dust.

"It won't be like that, but the tests have shown that there are at least four strong teams that are very close together. And one of these eight drivers must be at best eighth."

(GMM)