Article C3.18.7
Central Floor Flexibility
Technical Regulations
Article C3.18.7
Central Floor Flexibility
Chapter: C3
In Simple Terms
The FIA tests the flexibility of the car's floor (the flat bottom) by pushing down on it with special pads in specific areas. The floor must be stiff enough to resist this pressure - it can't bend too much, or the car gets penalized. This rule prevents teams from making floors that flex too much, which could give them an unfair advantage.
- The floor is tested by applying downward force through three equally-spaced 10mm diameter pads
- The front section (between XC=-600 and -800) must resist forces up to 6kN with stiffness of at least 3kN/mm
- The rear section must resist forces up to 10kN with stiffness of at least 6kN/mm
- Deflection is measured from the car's scrutineering support points, ensuring consistent testing standards
Official FIA Text
Local bodywork flexibility within RV-PLANK tested by applying load vertically through three 10mm diameter pads equispaced on 45mm pcd. At hole between XC=-600 and XC=-800, stiffness must exceed 3kNmm-1 to 6kN. At rear plank hole, stiffness must exceed 6kNmm-1 to 10kN. Deflection measured relative to scrutineering supports.
floor flexibilityplank stiffnessbodywork rigiditytechnical regulationschassis testing
2026 Season Regulations