Mark Webber has admitted that Red Bull will ‘have to adapt’ to the rule changes being introduced at this weekend’s European Grand Prix, with the gains from exhaust-blown diffusers set to be significantly reduced. The concept was first introduced by the Milton Keynes-based squad in 2010, making use of hot flowing gases by channeling them over the rear of the car when drivers are ‘off-throttle’ to increase cornering speeds.
"I don't think they will make the car any faster, but I think it is the same for everybody," the Australian said on Thursday. "We have got to adapt again, get used to it, but it is nothing new for our team to adapt to a change in regulations. All the teams have to adapt and see what they can do to do the best out of it."
Despite the restrictions that have been put in place, Webber believes the current pecking order will remain relatively unchanged over the next few races.
"I don't think it is going to turn the field upside down," he added. "I think everyone will still be in reasonable shape. McLaren and Ferrari are fast, we know that. We are quick but, the changes, whether they will turn the championship around, I think it is unlikely."
A complete blown diffuser cut down has been confirmed for the British Grand Prix next month, with Renault Technical Director James Allison explaining earlier in the week: "When the driver lifts his foot fully off the throttle pedal, then the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) maps must be set up so that the engine closes the throttle."
"Previously, it was possible to configure the engine maps to leave the throttle open and reduce the engine power by other means."
Source: GPUPDATE
