MELBOURNE, Australia - Specialist publications are reporting a secret of the apparent speed of Mercedes' new W04 car - a system known in the German squad's garage as 'Fric'.
German television RTL is saying it probably stands for "front and rear interactive control", or in other words a type of legal active suspension.
LOOPHOLE
Electronic active suspension is not allowed but an hydraulic layout could be a key to Mercedes' unmatched pace in the twisty middle sector at the final Barcelona test recently.
Auto Motor und Sport said the team had been "tinkering with the system for three years".
The report said Sauber was also now working on a version.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 Formula 1 season – fresh reports every day.
German television RTL is saying it probably stands for "front and rear interactive control", or in other words a type of legal active suspension.
LOOPHOLE
Electronic active suspension is not allowed but an hydraulic layout could be a key to Mercedes' unmatched pace in the twisty middle sector at the final Barcelona test recently.
Auto Motor und Sport said the team had been "tinkering with the system for three years".
The report said Sauber was also now working on a version.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 Formula 1 season – fresh reports every day.