All teams affected by new floor tests – Bell

(GMM) All formula one teams will have been affected by the FIA's clarification last week about the underbody regulations, according to Renault technical director Bob Bell.

Following an informal grumble by McLaren after the Australian grand prix, it was believed that only Ferrari and BMW-Sauber would have to redesign their cars' floors to adhere to the new flexibility tests.

But Bell suggested on Monday that the issue could affect "the hierarchy" of performance throughout the grid.

"The new testing methods for the floor will, I am sure, have caused some difficulty for all the teams," he said ahead of this weekend's race in Malaysia, "and how well they respond to that change may well have a larger effect than any other performance developments."

He cautioned, however, that Renault is unlikely to leap up the grid at Sepang, despite a new front wing package being implemented ahead of round two and reports of a general setup 'breakthrough'.

Bell admitted: "At this stage, it is unrealistic to talk about catching Ferrari or McLaren –- but we need to show that progress has been made, and that we are starting to close down the gap."