In an effort to better understand front wing flexing, the FIA will observe several selected teams during practice for the Belgian Grand Prix.
The increasing use of flexible front wing designs by teams to improve car balance has come under scrutiny recently, with some teams questioning the extent to which their rivals are exploiting this feature.
A new technical directive—TD034G—will require the installation of high-resolution 4K cameras on the front wings of several teams to monitor visible flexing. The camera placement has been confirmed by the FIA’s single-seat director, Nikolas Tombazis, and will concentrate on “the inboard facing nominally vertical surfaces to track the translation and rotation of target dots.”
This solution will be implemented only during FP1 and FP2, to avoid disrupting the teams during the two crucial days of the race weekend. The data and information gathered will then be used to determine if regulatory changes are needed for 2025 and beyond.
It’s understood that this technical directive will focus on monitoring, rather than banning, since all existing front wings are fully legal and have passed the existing tests.
An FIA spokesperson explained: “The FIA has decided, starting from Belgium onward for an indefinite period of time, to measure the overall front wing deformation on track. The FOM forward-facing cameras are unfortunately not capable of capturing the complete front wing as a large outboard part is not covered by the angle.
“The intent will therefore be to measure across several events all front wings with a camera provided by the FIA which will be installed on the nose (in place of current camera housings) offering a sideways view. The collected data will be used to enhance the overall understanding of bodywork flexibility when defining future regulations.
“It is also reiterated that all front wings checked so far this season have passed the existing deflection tests and are deemed legal. This new technical directive is the result of a long-standing desire to better capture front wing behavior under aerodynamic load.”
The FIA has not yet specified which cars will be fitted with the cameras.
