Ferrari’s flexible floor secret revealed

The News of the World can today reveal the secret device that has sparked the biggest row in the sport's 60-year history — and threatens to blight British sensation Lewis Hamilton in his amazing bid to win the world title.

Ferrari had been using the carbon fiber spring on the floor of their Grand Prix cars for the past FOUR years — until the FIA ruled it illegal after a complaint from McLaren in March.

The system automatically raises the car's floor during races to improve the aerodynamic performance and increase straight-line speed.

It helped Michael Schumacher to TWO of his world titles in 2003 and 2004 and TWENTY SEVEN Grand Prix victories over four years.

The device was only exposed when Ferrari technical manager Nigel Stepney allegedly leaked confidential team details to McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan.

A Ferrari spokesman told the News of the World: "The system has been on our cars for a few years. But it has also been on other teams' cars.

"And contrary to the McLaren statement, Ferrari never illegally gained any advantage." More at News of the World