Three teams protest 'illegal' bodywork

, Renault and Red Bull have lodged protests against what they say is illegal bodywork by Williams, Toyota and Brawn ahead of Sunday's season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix, organisers said.

Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull have lodged protests against what they say is illegal bodywork by Williams, Toyota and Brawn ahead of Sunday's season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix, organisers said.

The three teams made the formal complaints Thursday after official race scrutineers approved the design of the rear diffuser on the Williams, Toyota and Brawn cars, organisers said.

Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull claim those cars which run with the diffusers, underbody sections to aid air flow, are contrary to the sport's technical regulations.

The joint protest was being heard late Thursday by the sport's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA).