21/03/2012
NEWS STORY
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McLaren is satisfied Mercedes wing-stalling device is legal, after being cleared by FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting ahead of the 2012 season.
Whiting examined the Mercedes system last Wednesday ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, having previously ruled, in concept, that the system complied with the regulations prior to the season opener. It was a point Whiting confirmed to the press following the opening practice sessions, although some outlets continued to chase the story down a dead end. Indeed, some sections of the media appear more concerned at the legality of the wing than rival teams.
It was suggested Lotus would protest after comments made on Sky television, a report scoffed at by Eric Boullier when asked by Pitpass. Red Bull also confirmed it would not be protesting.
McLaren has now publicly stated that it believes the system is legal. Jonathan Neale, the team's Managing Director, confirmed in the latest Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Phone In that he understands the Mercedes solution is within the regulations.
"All the teams are going to be trying to extract the maximum within the permitted regulations, and innovation, particularly if the car is quick, comes under challenge," Neale explained. "We understand that well, but I don't understand well enough what Mercedes are actually doing
"We have to rely on our colleagues at the FIA," he continued. "We are all obliged, if we have anything that we think is innovative or could be pushing the interpretation of the regulations, to disclose that to Charlie Whiting. I'm very confident that Mercedes will have done that and they've got a ruling that it's okay."