Green light for McLaren’s controversial wing

McLaren’s 2010 car, including its controversial rear wing design, has been given the green light by FIA officials in Bahrain on Thursday.

At least two teams, Red Bull and Ferrari, had asked the governing body to issue a clarification about the British team’s rules interpretation, with the wing design believed to give Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton a 6kph straight line advantage.

The FIA’s Charlie Whiting had intended to check the innovation at McLaren’s Woking headquarters last week, but after flight delays from Brazil opted instead to leave the inspection until the day of scrutineering for the season opener.

It is believed McLaren’s system involves an air inlet on the upper left monocoque top, which is opened and closed by a trigger activated by the drivers’ knee.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport quoted an FIA official as describing it as a "simple but brilliant trick".