Feb.2 (GMM) Like the innovative new Renault, McLaren's unlaunched 2011 car reportedly also features a trick exhaust system.

That is the claim of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, after the Lotus-sponsored R31 was revealed this week with the engine exhaust exiting at the bottom of the sidepod area.

"The MP4-26 apparently has the same trick," said the German report, referring to the car that will be launched in Berlin on Friday.

A report in Italy's Autosprint said the solution generates more downforce through the flow of air to the now mandatory single diffuser.

Renault has confirmed that the R31's exhaust layout is the reason for the car's slightly different engine note at Valencia.

"Renault's thinking is in the right direction," confirmed Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn. "We are working on a similar solution."

Indeed, most teams' final car specifications will not be released until shortly before the Bahrain season opener.

"There is always a certain amount of nervousness," Red Bull designer Adrian Newey is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport. "The regulations we have now are pretty narrow.

"Having a stroke of genius is fairly difficult, but should the competition come up with something, we will respond."

Last year, rival teams struggled to ape McLaren's F-duct innovation because the basic chassis had to be homologated at the start of the season.

"That was only for last year," said Newey. "So now we can respond to things if necessary."

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