Renault Sporting Director: ''DAS system can clash with Parc fermé rules"
Mercedes opened eyes during the first week of F1 pre-season testing when they rolled out the new DAS system. Every team up and down the paddock was analysing the onboard footage of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas pulling and pushing the steering wheel. Each team have made their own judgements on it, with Renault's sporting director believing the DAS system breaks Parc fermé rules.
This rule describes what a team can adjust to the car after qualifying. According to Alan Permane, Renault's sporting director, there has been good consultation about this system.
"They will undoubtedly have consulted with Nikolas Tombazis of the FIA and his men and they will have said that they are satisfied with the legality of the system. I agree with that, but there is also a parc fermé issue," he says in conversation with Motorsport.com.
DAS clashes with Article 34.6
According to the regulations, a car is under parc fermé from the moment it is driven out of the pit lane until the start of the race. Article 34.6 states that no changes may be made to the car. "The question is whether it is a steering system or a suspension system. There are different rules for that," Permane continued.
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