Lotus protest over controversial Mercedes design fails The four-man panel of FIA stewards have dismissed Lotus' protest against Mercedes' innovative rear wing. The protest related to the conformity of the Mercedes cars under article 3.15 of the FIA technical regulations, that 'any system, device or procedure which uses driver movement as a means of altering the aerodynamic characteristics of the car is prohibited'. The design, which according to team principal Ross Brawn is independent of the DRS, stalls the front and rear wings, providing additional downforce and in turn extra straight-line speed. Lotus claimed the system was illegal as it makes use of driver movement when the DRS is activated, however, following a lengthy stewards' meeting at the Shanghai International Circuit ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, it has been declared legal. Mercedes are now free to use the system this weekend, although all parties have been reminded of their right to appeal. Lotus confirmed to Press Association Sport this afternoon, however, that they will not appeal. Lotus technical director James Allison posed five questions to his FIA counterpart Charlie Whiting and the stewards he felt believed needed answering in relation to the Mercedes system. In their conclusion, the stewards deemed not all the questions could "be answered in the affirmative and therefore do not form successful grounds for upholding of the protest." The decision will serve as vindication to Brawn, who earlier today said he remained at a loss to understand why so much fuss was being made. "It's disappointing that after three races we're still in this situation," said Brawn. Asked as to why he felt teams were still disputing it, Brawn added: "I don't know.