Jonathan Neale uncertain over Mercedes AMG design – Formula 1 news
Jonathan Neale, the managing director of McLaren says that he is not certain about what Mercedes is doing with its new DRS-activated F-duct design of Mercedes’ car W03.
The legitimacy of the Mercedes new design had been the most highlighted story of the season opener held at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia last week. The Brackley based team had to face a lot of criticism concerning its car’s design from its contenders,
particularly Lotus and Red Bull.
Although, Eric Boullier, the team principal of Lotus said that they would challenge the outcomes of qualifying over the legitimacy of the Mercedes device. However, the technical delegate, Charlie Whiting confirmed its legality, later.
In addition, Martin Whitmarsh, the team principal of McLaren, said that the design complied with the rules of FIA while Neale asserted that Mercedes appeared very defensive during the last week in Melbourne after he said that he was not aware about the how
huge an issue could turn out to be.
“I don't really know to be honest. Clearly Mercedes were very quick during qualifying and there's enough YouTube footage of Michael being very defensive about having the car photographed because it was under the front wing. But I think we have to rely on
the FIA; all of the teams are going to be trying to extract the maximum within the permitted regulations and innovation - particularly if the car is quick - certainly comes under challenge and we understand that well. But I don't understand well enough what
Mercedes are actually doing, I'll have to rely on our colleagues at the FIA,” said Neale.
Furthermore, he said that all the contenders had a responsibility to go to FIA with their new concepts for the sake of clearance from the authoritative body. He added that he was quite certain that the Brackley based team would have definitely approached
the FIA, concerning its novel design, and had searched for the authorization from the overriding body.
It will be interesting to mention that Mercedes driver, Nico Rosberg is expecting that the new device will prove out to be beneficial at 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend.
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