German Grand Prix: Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and
Sebastian Vettel could start from pit-lane for possible breach
of technical regulations
Telegraph 2012.07.22

Technical delegate Jo Bauer has questioned the engine torque map of
the cars of reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel and team-mate
Mark Webber.

The suggestion is the engine's throttle is more open than it should be
for a given accelerator position.

The effect is more air through the engine, and in turn over the exhaust
to aid aerodynamics and downforce.

Whilst teams can use exhaust gases to blow over certain areas of the
rear bodywork, they cannot alter the torque maps for greater engine
performance which would in turn produce more gases.

It has been suggested the overall effect is minimal, but it is illegal,
leaving the stewards with a race against time to resolve the issue
ahead of the 2pm local time (1pm UK) start of the race.

A technical report issued by Bauer reads: "Having examined the engine
base torque map of car numbers 01 (Vettel) and 02 (Webber) it
became apparent the maximum torque output of both engines is
significantly less in the mid-rpm range than previously seen for these
engines at other events.

"In my opinion this is therefore in breach of Article 5.5.3 of the 2012
F1 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
(technical directive) 036-11."