Boullier forecasts five per cent more overtakes in 2017

Contrary to the widespread criticism of the proposed 2017 regulations, Eric Boullier has underlined his support for the changes, suggesting that they will in fact improve overtaking.

While 2017’s rule-book is yet to be officially confirmed, proposals to introduce increased downforce and wider tyres, that would see cars in the region of five seconds faster per lap than their 2016 equivalents, seems the likely result.

Various deadlines for confirmation of these regulations have been missed, with the paddock divided on what is best for the sport. The arguments used by critics have largely centred around fears that increased downforce would impact negatively on overtaking.

It is a theory which McLaren Racing Director Eric Boullier has challenged, citing that the increased mechanical grip provided by the tyres will compensate for the effect of more turbulent air.

“I actually disagree with comments in the media from my competitors,” Boullier said in an interview featured on Sky Sports F1. “The regulation has been drafted in a way so that the car will generate more downforce from the tyres, so mechanically, which should not hurt the overtaking numbers.

“Additionally, the influence of the front wing will be lower, since the floor and the diffuser will generate more downforce, allowing more overtaking.

“All this makes the car allow more overtaking manoeuvres, maybe by 5 per cent, as all current overtaking manoeuvres are driven by DRS and tyre regulations.”

Boullier’s comments, which are in stark contrast to the opinions voiced by the likes of Toto Wolff, demonstrate why it has been difficult for the sport’s rule-makers to define the goalposts for 2017. There is a split of opinion in regards to what approach to the technical regulations will energise the racing.

Critics of the rule-making process would suggest that it is unsurprising that Boullier has backed the introduction of radically new regulations, given that it would provide his team with the best opportunity to improve their position in the pecking order.

McLaren have plenty to gain from a regulatory overhaul while Wolff and Mercedes have the most to lose. It is a cynical view, but one which does correlate with the opinions voiced so far.