F1 2011: new details on the new driver-adjustable rear wing

Formula 1 could introduce a new rear wing in 2011 to aid overtaking while banning double diffusers and F-duct systems. McLaren engineering director Paddy Lowe has confirmed that the Formula 1 teams' alliance, FOTA, has proposed the introduction of a rear wing whose incidence can be modified by the driver in certain conditions.

The device would allow the car following in the slipstream to increase its speed by around 15 km/h to attempt overtaking but it cannot be used in the first laps of the race. The car in front will not be able to use the system to defend itself but will be able to use it in turn after being attacked to try to regain its position.

“The flap will be adjustable by the pilot,” Lowe explained. “He can use it whenever he wants in qualifying, in order to reduce drag, and in qualifying we will obviously have a significant improvement in lap times. In the race, it cannot be used in the first two laps, after which it will be operable if the gap from the driver in front is at least one second. It will be very interesting. It's an initiative by FOTA to improve the show and I think it's very exciting."

FOTA's proposal could be ratified today by the World Motor Sport Council.

The teams also accepted the voluntary return of KERS in 2011.