FIA backs Vettel amid of cheat claims

Sebastian Vettel

The FIA has backed Sebastian Vettel amid claims he is strolling to the 2013 title with a questionably-legal Red Bull.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko has already dismissed the claims the RB9 is mimicking illegal traction control as "nonsense".

But former F1 team owner Giancarlo Minardi had said he saw and heard evidence with his own eyes and ears recently during the Singapore Grand Prix, when Vettel was putting down the power 50 metres earlier than his rivals, while the Renault engine emitted traction control-like tones.

However, F1 race director Charlie Whiting has told Germany's Sport Bild: "(FIA technical delegate) Jo Bauer has found no irregularities.

"Everything is under our control, and Vettel's car complies with the regulations."

Meanwhile, according to Bild newspaper, Red Bull's determination to dominate F1 can be seen in the team's new EUR 100,000 jack.

The jack is reportedly designed to automatically lower the car once it detects that all four wheels have been secured during a pitstop.

Bild said Red Bull's powerful rivals including Ferrari and Mercedes are now working on similar systems.

Force India team manager Andy Stevenson is quoted as arguing the innovation should be banned.

"If no one has it, everyone's pitstop will be half a second slower. So who cares?" he said.

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