BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen has warned that the FIA's decision to approve the diffusers on the Brawn, Williams and Toyota cars will keep Formula 1 from reaching the intended reduction in downforce levels – and costs – this season.
BMW-Sauber was one of several teams to appeal against the double-decker diffusers, but the International Court of Appeal today approved the designs and BMW has joined Ferrari and Red Bull in admitting it will have to redesign its diffuser.
"We will accept the decision of the International Court of Appeal," said Theissen. "This ruling means we now have clarity regarding the application of the regulations.
"However, it does not achieve the reduction in downforce and cornering speeds intended by the Overtaking Working Group when the new regulations were drawn up. At the same time, this decision means that seven teams will have to invest heavily in carrying out the necessary modifications to their cars."