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Neale unsure over Mercedes concept

The Mercedes rear wing was the subject of much attention in Melbourne © Sutton Images

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McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale admits that he doesn't know exactly what Mercedes is doing with its rear wing stalling device.

The biggest off-track story of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix was the legality of the Mercedes car as Lotus and Red Bull appeared unhappy at a rear wing device that is activated when the DRS is open. Martin Whitmarsh, however, said he felt that the concept adhered to the regulations, and while Neale admitted that Mercedes seemed very protective in Melbourne he said that he was unaware how big an issue it could become.

"I don't really know to be honest," Neale said during a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes phone-in. "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."

Neale also revealed that the teams have a duty to approach the FIA with their innovations in order to get clearance from the governing body.

"We are all obliged - if we have anything that we think is innovative or pushing the interpretations of the regulations - to disclose that to Charlie Whiting and his colleagues, and I'm very confident that Mercedes will have done that and got a ruling that's OK."

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