Ferrari takes full advantage of rule shift

Earlier this year we predicted regulations would limit the practise of creating downforce from exhaust gases - and that Red Bull Racing would be hardest hit.

Fernando Alonso's victory for Ferrari in the British Grand Prix on Sunday - ahead of RBR's Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber - seemed to confirm this. Conversely, when the new rules were essentially rescinded on Sunday evening there was a suggestion Ferrari's resurgence would be short-lived. In fact, none of these outcomes are likely.

Downforce squares as speed increases - so the faster air flows beneath a car, the more grip there is for cornering. Blowing engine exhaust gases under the floor accelerates the air and has been used for more than 20 years. But during the past two seasons leading teams worked out how to continue revving the engine, generating gas flow, even when the driver was off the throttle entering a corner - when grip is needed most.