Mercedes shrug off talk of Australia protest

[February 24, 2017]  By Alan Baldwin

SILVERSTONE, England (Reuters) - Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has shrugged off fears of a potential protest against his cars at next month's season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix.

The pre-season has seen plenty of speculation about clever hydraulic suspension systems since Ferrari sought a clarification about the regulations from the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Some paddock insiders, such as Force India technical director Andy Green this week, have suggested that the question could lead to a protest against certain teams to force a decision.

Such action could not be taken until the Melbourne race weekend since there are no restrictions on what teams can use on their cars in pre-season testing.

Wolff told reporters at the launch of his team's new car on Thursday, however, that he was completely relaxed about the situation.

"There have been discussions in the TRM (technical regulations meeting) around suspensions and legality," said the Austrian.

"As far as Mercedes is concerned, I am very confident and comfortable with the situation. We know what the rules say and what you are allowed and not allowed to do.

"I think it is the usual kicking at the beginning of the season, and it is not something that is worrying for us," said Wolff, whose car will start testing in Barcelona on Monday.

Mercedes have won the last three drivers' and constructors' titles but may have more of a fight on their hands this season due to rule changes, which have produced faster cars on bigger tyres.

They have a new technical director in James Allison, who starts work at the factory next week after completing a period of gardening leave from Ferrari, with Paddy Lowe having departed.

Mercedes' Executive Director Toto Wolff during the launch Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic

Finland's Valtteri Bottas has replaced retired world champion Nico Rosberg as team mate to Britain's Lewis Hamilton.

"Sometimes you need to recalibrate in order to stay successful, and we've done that," said Wolff.

"Disruption can be a very positive factor in a company's development. So when Nico decided to call it a day ... we quickly realized it provided opportunity. In terms of Paddy, it's a little bit the same.

"You can either have a philosophy of never change a winning team or try to emphasize what's important for the future."

Ferrari, who did not win a race last year and finished a disappointing third overall, are under pressure to close the gap on their rivals. They launch their new car on Friday.

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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