Mercedes has no fears its controversial 'trick' suspension system will be outlawed by the FIA, stressing the fact the regulations on that part of the car are completely unchanged from 2016.
Ferrari prompted a row at the start of the year when it wrote to the FIA asking for clarification on systems pioneered by Mercedes last year. The Italian team wanted to know whether it could adopt a similar hydraulic suspension or whether it would contravene F1 regulations outlawing moveable suspension systems.
FIA race director Charlie Whiting is expected to issue a clarification before testing begins in Barcelona on February 27, while Force India's technical chief Andy Green expects to see a rival team lodge an official protest with race stewards at the Australian Grand Prix. An FIA ruling against it or a successful protest could cause problems for Mercedes due to the advanced stage of development of its 2017 car, but Aldo Costa, the team's engineering director, is relaxed about the situation.
"From last year to this year, the rule in terms of suspension has not been changed," Costa said at the launch of Mercedes' W08 car. "So what was legal last year is legal this year. So there are no changes about it. There was only a team asking the FIA for clarification.
"There was a discussion during the technical regulation meeting between the technical directors and a few teams, together with the FIA, they are taking the ownership to further clarify the doubt some team has got. Nothing else. There are no changes and for us it's fine how it has been thought for the last year, and the clarification that has been done by Charlie, and what these few teams are putting together."
Mercedes boss Wolff echoed Costa's attitude about the situation, saying the world champions have no doubts about what is and what is not allowed in the current regulations.
"There have been discussions in the TRM [Technical Regulations Meeting] around suspensions and legality," Wolff said. "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."