Formula One: Lotus protest over Mercedes’ rear wing

SHANGHAI: Mercedes’ controversial ‘F-duct’ rear wing was back in the spotlight when the Lotus team launched an official protest ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix. The car has been the subject of fierce debate and speculation because of the rear wing, which rivals say gives the team an unfair disadvantage by boosting straight-line speed. But it had been cleared for Sunday’s race, before the protest, just like it was prior to the first two races of the season, in Australia and Malaysia. Despite the supposedly unfair advantage, Mercedes have just one point on the board from two races — courtesy Michael Schumacher’s 10th place in Malaysia.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2012.