The news reportedly reached Melbourne, where the race team is set up in Melbourne, just hours before Mark Webber took the Adrian Newey-penned car to fifth place in morning practice.

The spokesman said the final FIA test in Britain, which the car had previously failed, was to ensure the strength of the front of the Renault-powered racer.

Had the RB4 not passed the test, after skipping official scrutineering at Albert Park on Thursday, the team had an earlier specification nose on standby.

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