Ferrari's front wing is under investigation by the FIA, after TV pictures suggested that it contravenes the rules outlawing movable aerodynamic devices.

On-board pictures seen on the German Premiere satellite channel, but not the worldwide feed, apparently showed the upper elements moving sideways after retaining pins came out of their holes under load. Several teams were alerted to the story by people watching in Europe, and have made their feelings known to the FIA.

Rivals says that the role of Ferrari's suspect front wings is to balance the car between high and low speed corners, and not apparently to do with reducing drag and improving straightline efficiency.

In fact, what happens is that as the main front wing flexes downwards - as all wings do under load - a pin attaching the upper elements to the nose slides out of position. This creates a gap between the elements and the nose which allows a flow-through of air that would not otherwise occur.

It is believed that the point is to adjust the balance of the car. In other words, when the already much-criticised flexing rear wing remains in its 'down' position through high speed corners, this gap at the front helps to stabilise the car.

Through the slower corners, the rear wing returns to its 'up' position to create downforce. Meanwhile, the gap created within the upper elements of the front wing closes, and the car is balanced once more. Rivals admit that it is a clever arrangement, but insist that this is a movable aerodynamic device that is completely against the rules.

We understand that the FIA's Charlie Whiting agrees, and that he is well aware of the teams' concerns.

Meanwhile, in an unprecedented move, Martin Whitmarsh, Geoff Willis and Pat Symonds met with Ross Brawn this morning to discuss the situation. One well-informed source described Brawn as a 'very good poker player'.

There has been no action from the FIA today, so everything could kick off after the race. If either of the Ferraris finishes, then the FIA has the opportunity to pursue the matter in scrutineering. If they don't finish, then the story may move on to Australia, in which case the onus is on Ferrari to turn up with something different.

In any case, we understand that the team may already have been told that the flexing rear wing issue will be addressed before Australia.

Ferrari has already had a bad day after the FIA confirmed that Michael Schumacher will start 14th and not eleventh, where the team had expected him to be. If a Ferrari finishes, this could be a long day...