A good verdict I reckon, although not totally unforeseen as our poll shows!
Although this brings an end to the diffuser controversy, at least as far as the rebel three are concerned (the remaining teams can lick their wounds), where does this episode leave the FIA and, as Brogan said, FOTA?
The FIA have again appeared incompetent, so surely the figurehead should bear responsibility for having a naff set-up at resolving disputes. Unless dragging things out for months was intentional..? Renault said they dropped following the alternative diffuser design, after being warned off by the FIA. Again a balls up by the FIA?
As far as FOTA goes, wasn't it Flav that slammed Ross Brawn about his role as FOTA rep and also all the complaining teams gave Ross a bashing? Will the teams be able to keep it together in the face of FIA machinations designed to drive a wedge between them?
So, which will come off worse, FIA or FOTA? (I almost feel another poll coming on..!)
As far as the 'not-so-magnificent seven' are concerned, it does seem that Ferrari are a way off redesigning their rear end, and like Brogan said, I'd put money on Renault and McLaren having shiny new diffusers first. (
Puts crystal ball away).
And as far as Ferrari are concerned, Stefano Domenicali is quoted as saying “Unfortunately this decision forces us to intervene on fundamental areas of the car’s design in order to be able to compete" and
"We will now double our efforts"*
*
didn't an empire commander say that to Darth Vader about the death star? Whatever happened to that commander in the end.....?