Red Bull under investigation by the stewards

Reigning Champions Red Bull have been referred to the race stewards only hours from the start of the German Grand Prix, due to a suspected breach of the sport’s technical regulations. The Red Bull duo ended qualifying yesterday 2nd and 3rd, however if found guilty could incur serious penalties.

In a statement issued by the FIA’s technical delegate Jo Bauer, the issue on the car is with the engine torque maps, which have been discovered on both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber’s cars. This irregularity is a breach of the regulations, with a reduced torque in the mid rpm range. This technicality could provide both cars with aerodynamic gains, which undeniably could cause further problems for the current Constructors’ Championship leaders.

"Having examined the engine base torque map of car numbers 01 [Vettel] and 02 [Webber] it became apparent that the maximum torque output of both engines is significantly less in the mid rpm range than previously seen at other events," read a statement from FIA official, Jo Bauer. "In my opinion this is therefore in breach of article 5.5.3 of the 2012 Formula 1 technical regulations as the engines are able to deliver more torque at a given engine speed in the mid rpm range.

"Furthermore this new torque map will artificially alter the aerodynamic characteristics of both cars which is also in contravention of TD 036-11. I am referring this matter to the stewards."

This particular regulation stipulates that: “The maximum accelerator pedal travel position must correspond to an engine torque demand equal to or greater than the maximum engine torque at the measured engine speed. The minimum accelerator pedal travel position must correspond to an engine torque demand equal to or lower than 0Nm.”

With rumors of the Red Bull duo being removed to the back of grid, starting from the pit lane or even being outright disqualified due to this irregularity, it looks possible that the grid could face a further shake-up only hours before the start of the race. With Sebastian Vettel set to race in his home Grand Prix, and Mark Webber currently battling at the top of the Championship with Fernando Alonso, this could be a monumental set back for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

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