Ferrari insists F-duct not dangerous

Ferrari technical boss Aldo Costa has played down suggestions the team’s F-duct solution is dangerous.

It is believed the cars driven by both Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa are still fitted with the downforce-spoiling innovation on Saturday following Friday’s practice tests.

But unlike McLaren’s system which is believed to be activated by the drivers’ knees, the rumour in Barcelona is that Alonso and Massa – like the Sauber drivers – are triggering the airflow on the straights with their left hand.

Often at the same time, the drivers are using their right hand to then make adjustments to the brake balance.

“As you know, drivers are trained to use several systems in the car,” said Costa.  “They normally use the front flap adjuster, they normally use brake balance.

“Last year they used the KERS system, so they can also use the F-duct with no big issues,” he insisted.

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