Always interesting to keep abreast of goings-on in F1 in case there are learnings for the America's Cup -- whether to mimic, or avoid. Latest example....

Yesterday, BMW Sauber's vertical wings, called "twin towers" in honor of the buildings of the same name in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (home of BMW Sauber sponsor Petronas) were banned by the FIA. Charlie Whiting, FIA's Technical Delegate roughly equivalent to the AC's Ken McAlpine, made the announcement in an email to the F1 teams.

From Canada's TSN.ca website:


The towers, which are mounted on the nose cone part of the bodywork parallel to the front tires, made their debut on the F1.06 at the French Grand Prix. At the time, there were concerns that the fins might inhibit the driver's vision. But Jacques Villeneuve downplayed those concerns, saying the antennas on the car don't hamper his vision.

Still, the FIA has circulated a note to all the teams expressing their concern that such elements could impair the forward and/or lateral vision of the driver. They said that unless a team can prove such a device does not impair vision, no bodywork will be allowed on the forward nose section which rises higher than the top of the roll structure.

Cynics suggest that FIA made the move after reports that other teams were considering similar aerodynamic structures, thus leading to a forrest of towers on the starting grid. Back in the 1990's, FIA banned similar tower designs for safety reasons. However, many believed the move was made because F1 officials were worried that the towers looked ugly on television.


Or were they concerned that BMW Sauber have come up with something, while legal under the rules, would give them an "unfair" advantage (Ferrari didn't think of it first)?


Certainly unusual. BMW Sauber head Prof Dr Theissen was in
VLC for Act 10; did he spend some time with BMW ORACLE's
wingnuts?


KL's namesake Petronas Twin Towers,
two of the world's tallest structures.