Surer joins calls for ban to shark fins and extra wings

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Former Formula 1 driver turned pundit Marc Surer has added his voice to those calling for the FIA to intervene on 'ugly' shark fins in 2017.

The new bodywork components extending from the back of the engine cover toward the rear wing help with aerodynamic flow. Surer said that their purpose was to "calm the air in front of the rear wing."

The so-called 'shark fins' originally emerged several years ago. They were banned apparently on aesthetic grounds, but have been made legal again under 2017's new regulations.

However many in the paddock don't like the look of them on the cars. They want to see the rules changed again in time for the first race of the season.

"Mercedes and some others have even built a second wing in front of the rear wing, but it's terribly ugly and should be banned," Surer told German broadcaster Sky Sports.

The Swiss driver raced in Formula 1 between 1979 and 1986, including four seasons with Arrows and one with Brabham. He now works as a television commentator for Sky covering Grand Prix events.

Surer is not alone in his view. Red Bull boss Christian Horner has already said he wants to see the new fins banned.

"I think the cars look fantastic," he said during pre-season testing. "The only thing that lets them down is the shark fins.

"If you look at the bigger picture and the aesthetics of Formula 1, it would be right to try to get rid of them."

And Formula 1's new sporting director Ross Brawn has also said that the shark fins should be rethought.

"As always with new regulations there's a few little hiccups. We've got the unpopular shark fins on the back, and I think in time we need to address those."

However it seems too late to get the rules changed in time for Melbourne. Teams are addressing the aesthetics issue though interim livery designs and paintwork solutions instead.

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