Raikkonen Says Diffuser Appeal Will Determine World Title

Motor racing: Former champion admits his team are going through a 'very difficult moment' as they lack the downforce the disputed diffuser gives.

Kimi Raikkonen believes the outcome of next week's diffuser appeal will decide who wins this year's formula one title. The 2007 world champion, now driving for Ferrari, fears the Brawn, Williams and Toyota teams will consolidate a major performance advantage if the FIA decides to reject the appeal against the legality of their aerodynamic diffusers when they consider the matter on 14 April.

The three teams have all made similar interpretations of the aerodynamic rules which offers them significantly more downforce, grip and performance. It was the view of their rivals that this interpretation was not legal and a protest was lodged over the Australian grand prix weekend.

The stewards rejected it and the dissenting teams appealed against that ruling. If the appeal is rejected then the seven remaining teams – Ferrari, McLaren, BMW Sauber, Renault, Force India, Red Bull and Toro Rosso – will have to develop their own similar diffusers and spend several races catching up with the technology.

"The FIA's court of appeal will decide about the diffuser and this decision will have an enormous effect on the championship," said Raikkonen. "We need more downforce and we are working very hard on it. We still do not have any points after two races and this is a very difficult moment for us."

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