May 18 (GMM) The FIA has agreed a "grace period" as it clamps down in 2011 on the extreme blowing of exhaust gases through sophisticated diffusers.

We reported on Tuesday that 'Technical Directive 15' issued last week banned the blowing of exhaust gases beyond 10 per cent of full throttle when drivers are braking or not accelerating hard.

The directive was issued with immediate effect, but Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that a "grace period" has subsequently been agreed to give affected teams more time to adapt ahead of the Spanish grand prix this weekend.

According to the report, the FIA has determined that the engine has in effect become an aerodynamic aid controlled by the driver, which according to the regulations is not allowed.

It was planned that the restrictions would be imposed in Barcelona, but Auto Motor und Sport now says the teams' technical working group will agree a new imposition date that does not unfairly affect some teams over others.

Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn said that when the ban does drop, it will have a major effect.

"These sort of staccato exhausts that you hear, I don't think you will be hearing any more," he is quoted by Reuters at Silverstone on Tuesday.

The clampdown could be the result of a complaint by rival teams who believe superior engine control is a secret of Red Bull's speed, particularly in qualifying.

Asked if that is the case, team boss Christian Horner answered: "It is inevitable and the unfortunate consequence of success."

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version