The Formula 1 paddock is deeply unhappy after it was revealed that rivals Mercedes had conducted a three-day 1000 kilometer tyre test after the Spanish GP.

There has been nowhere for Mercedes to hide on raceday as the team faded badly due to excessive tyre wear throughout the last few grand prix. However, a secret testing session has undoubtedly boosted not only Mercedes’ ability to understand their problems but also given them an advantage over their rivals.

It has come to light that Pirelli had requested the Brackley based team’s help to work through issues the tyre manufacturer had been suffering in the last several races. Despite the ban on in-season testing Pirelli are allowed to call on one team, for a private test, to assist them with their product. Nevertheless, the other teams are less than happy about Mercedes, a team with clear tyre issues, recieving what they consider an unfair advantage. The matter has now been taken up with the FIA.

Team principal Ross Brawn said that his team had been working tirelessly on their issues with the Pirelli tyres since Barcelona – 1000 secret kilometers of tireless work it seems Ross.