Renault set to remove F-duct for next races

Renault looks set to become a second formula one team to take the F-duct system off its car for the forthcoming Italian grand prix.

Prior to this weekend’s event in Belgium, it emerged that the technology’s pioneers McLaren were considering removing the F-duct for Monza.

On the face of it, the long straights of the Autodromo Nazionale seem perfect for the straightline speed-boosting device.

But in fact, the ultra-low downforce nature of the circuit means a lighter, sleeker and more efficient rear wing and engine cover might prove the better option.

Renault finally brought its F-duct to the R30 for this weekend’s Spa-Francorchamps event, where Robert Kubica was a standout performer.

He said the F-duct worked "very well" throughout the weekend.

But after finishing second on Sunday, he said: "Monza will be quite a tricky race. It is a completely different downforce level track and I most probably will not have the F-duct there."

Interestingly, the Pole also said the F-duct will probably not be fitted to the car for the subsequent Singapore street race - perhaps because the layout does not feature enough straights.

"Singapore should be a good one for us," said Kubica. "It is good track for us but most probably we won’t have the F-duct there unfortunately."

Meanwhile, McLaren is not confirming whether its F-duct will definitely be removed from the MP4-25 for Monza.

"I don’t see any merit in us declaring to our competitors what we are going to do before we get there," said team boss Martin Whitmarsh.