[Fot] F1 practice

[Joe Curry]

I don't think it is a matter of enforcing the spirit if the rules as much as
further defining them so that everyone is operating from the same page.

I doubt any team would be opposed to using more downforce so if it is deemed
that the cars using the larger diffusers are indeed legal, I am betting you
will see the rest of the field with similar designs at the next race
following the FIA's decision.

There was some confusing information that was disseminated last year when
all that wording came about and it would appear that none of the three teams
that are using the larger diffusers were present when this topic was
discussed in detail.  So if "ignorance is bliss" applies in this case, they
might get away with it when all is said and done.

Regardless, it makes for some amusing and exciting scenarios as it plays
out.

Joe C.

-----Original Message-----
From: Kas Kastner [mailto:kaskas at cox.net] 
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2009 9:39 AM
To: Joe Curry
Cc: fot at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Fot] F1 practice

If you are going to enforce "spirit of the rules" and not the letter of the 
regulation then what is point of printing the rules?

You cannot enforce spirit of anything. Those having the different diffusers 
were not present for the meetings for establishment of the regulations which

were written. That is written, not just talked about nor spirit related. 
They, the three teams, on their own, in their inspection of the WRITTEN 
regulations determined that a certain manner of modification to the area was

possible. When three independent companies  who are not in commerce with 
each other,  develop this same point of the regulations, then the regulation

must be open to that interpretation. Others should just follow and shut up 
as they missed the opening. Write a more precise regulation next year.

After you have been proven guilty of an infraction of the regulations, then 
perhaps spirit can be brought into the conversation when determining the 
penalty for this infraction.