Are Ferrari trying for Merc & RBR trick F1 suspension ban?

[John S]

Asking FIA on own trick system so near sign off smells fishy. 

Surely Maranello are not looking to the old Ferrari International Assistance to be resurrected? 

http://en.f1i.com/news/85666-ferrari-query-suspension-concept-lead-full-blown-row.html

[Jericoke]

it's not unusual for teams to go to the FIA with parts that are pushing the limits.  Why spend money developing something that will be banned?

I seem to recall the biggest problem with the Brawn diffuser was that Renault had already asked the FIA if it was legal, and they were told 'no'.  The FIA let Brawn race because they needed to have the number of cars up.  (No one expected the failed Honda team with a Mercedes engine slapped in to be on pace, much less dominant)

[John S]

Sure there's nothing unusual about asking Charlie Whiting about areas you are developing, however asking so close to sign off for most teams is what has got me and others excited.

Maybe other teams leave it until the last minute for fear of others learning their plans - the letters to Charlie get copied to the other teams so it can tip off others about your plans.

In this case however Ferrari knows others are already a long way down this route, so coming in very close to the start of final build with this sort of enquiry is perhaps more than a little curious.