2017 rules will not stop overtaking - Boullier

May 6 (GMM) Eric Boullier has hit back at suggestions the 2017 regulations could actually hurt formula one.

Part of Mercedes' opposition to the wider cars with bigger wings for next year was the argument that more downforce will just make overtaking more difficult.

"I disagree with some comments made by our rivals in the media," Boullier, McLaren's team boss, said.

The 2017 changes are backed primarily by Red Bull - whose Dr Helmut Marko has hit out at Mercedes chief Toto Wolff's "paranoia" - as well as McLaren-Honda.

It is actually McLaren's concept that was the basis of the 2017 chassis rules.

Boullier is quoted by Spain's El Confidencial as pointing out that while the new cars will have more downforce, the wider tyres will produce more "mechanical grip".

"This should not affect the amount of overtaking," he insisted.

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