Mass damper debate rolls on

The mass damper debate is still going strong as the legality of the device is again in question at the Hungaroring. Stewards at Hockenheim judged it permissible but the FIA immediately said it would appeal the decision. As a consequence Renault removed it from their cars just in case and went on to have a rubbish weekend.

With the FIA appeal pending it was uncertain if any penalty would be retrospectively applied should the sport's governing body be successful in overturning the stewards' initial ruling. FIA delegate Charlie Whiting said probably not, but couldn't guarantee it.

Renault intended to reinstate the device this weekend but now it seems Toro Rosso has also fallen foul of the tricky situation. The Italian team reportedly presented its cars at scrutineering at the Hungaroring on Thursday with mass dampers fitted and FIA technical delegates once again rejected the legality of the device.

It appears Toro Rosso has now removed the mass dampers but it's not known if Renault still intends to use its own device. Apparently the team is discussing the matter. The FIA appeal is due to be heard on August 22nd but in the meantime the threat of a possible penalty if the device is used is still there.