Mercedes, Pirelli reprimanded

FIA hopes ‘lessons are learnt’ from unauthorised tyre tests.


Afp June 21, 2013
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg took part in the tests using the latest team car. PHOTO: AFP

PARIS: Mercedes and tyre-makers Pirelli escaped with reprimands for carrying out unauthorised tyre tests, with Mercedes also suspended from next month’s young driver test.

The verdicts were announced by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) International Tribunal following Thursday’s seven-hour meeting at the FIA headquarters in Paris.

The controversial Mercedes-Pirelli tests, carried out over three days in May in Barcelona, sparked protests from the Red Bull and Ferrari teams that they contravened Formula One race laws.

The much-anticipated decision came after both Mercedes and Pirelli defended their actions, saying they had no intention of disobeying the sport’s regulations.

Mercedes said they accepted the verdict. “In the best interests of the sport, the team does not intend to avail itself of any right to appeal the decision,” a statement on the team’s website confirmed.

The issue has badly divided Formula One with Mercedes on one side and world championship rivals Red Bull and Ferrari on the other.

The FIA had a range of sanctions at its disposal, including fines and suspensions. But in what will be seen in some quarters as a let-off for both companies, the sport’s ruling body settled for simple reprimands, with Mercedes also banned from the July 17-19 young drivers session. After the ruling, the FIA said, “The FIA wishes that lessons are learnt from this case and from the decision handed down.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2013.

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