British Grand Prix column for China Daily

Ferrari takes full advantage of rule shift:

Earlier this year we predicted regulations would limit the practise of creating downforce from exhaust gases - and that Red Bull Racing would be hardest hit.

Fernando Alonso's victory for Ferrari in the British Grand Prix on Sunday - ahead of RBR's Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber - seemed to confirm this. Conversely, when the new rules were essentially rescinded on Sunday evening there was a suggestion Ferrari's resurgence would be short-lived. In fact, none of these outcomes are likely.

Downforce squares as speed increases - so the faster air flows beneath a car, the more grip there is for cornering. Blowing engine exhaust gases under the floor accelerates the air and has been used for more than 20 years. But during the past two seasons leading teams worked out how to continue revving the engine, generating gas flow, even when the driver was off the throttle entering a corner - when grip is needed most.

Considering this last step too extreme, FIA set out to eliminate altogether the aerodynamic benefit from exhaust gases. The obvious way - prescribing the position of the pipes where they can bring no advantage - comes into effect before next season.

Before Silverstone last weekend, the teams were told to stop the 'off-throttle' blowing. But a row broke out because FIA appeared to give the Mercedes-engined teams (Force India, McLaren and Mercedes GP) a dispensation by allowing that their engines still 'hot blow' by firing four of their eight cylinders under braking.

Using the same argument - that changes would harm reliability - the Renault teams (Red Bull, Lotus Renault, Team Lotus) insisted they needed to 'cold blow': keeping the throttles open, without burning fuel, into corners. FIA rejected this at Silverstone but later reached unanimous agreement with the teams to rewind its interpretation of the rules.

The first piece of positive news is that the teams are able these days to remain united for the benefit of the sport, sacrificing short-term individual gain.

The second is that Ferrari's victory was not because others had been hampered. It's true RBR was unhappy about the exhaust blowing situation - and that neither Vettel (broken rear jack) or Webber (left-front tire wear) had a perfect afternoon. But Ferrari's pace was strong all weekend. Analysis of details, such as the competitive times Alonso and teammate Felipe Massa set while using the harder tires during free practise, suggests the Scuderia have overcome the aerodynamic deficiencies from earlier in the season (and last year).

It might though be too much to expect Alonso to fight for the championship: Vettel's lead is 92 points with 250 available from the final 10 events. And the Red Bull probably remains - just - the best car.