F1: Mario Theissen confirms BMW's diffuser protest

From GMM

Team boss Mario Theissen on Saturday confirmed reports that BMW has formally protested the legality of the 'twin diffuser' cars.

We reported earlier that the Hinwil based team, having attempted to protest in Australia a week ago, in Malaysia protested again against the controversial solutions at the rear of the Brawn, Williams and Toyota cars.

It was suggested the move is so BMW-Sauber can fully take part in the forthcoming appeal hearing at the FIA Court of Appeal, but it is also reported that the new protest will make Malaysia's results relevant to any decision the court may take.

The German news agency DPA said BMW lodged the papers with FIA officials after qualifying at Sepang.

"This is merely a formal act," Theissen said, meaning BMW officially joins the 'anti-diffuser' gang also made up of Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull.

In qualifying, four of the five quickest cars featured the disputed aerodynamic concept.

"It remains difficult to break into the ranks of the teams with the two step diffusers," Theissen said.