The FIA has issued a statement saying that it only sanctioned the use of a 2013 Formula One car at the recent Pirelli tyre test conducted with Mercedes IF all teams were offered the same opportunity to take part in the test.
Mercedes said that they received confirmation from the FIA that the test was allowed to be conducted but the FIA is now saying that there were conditions to the approval.
The FIA have revealed that it was asked in early May by Pirelli whether ti would be possible to conduct a test using a current car.
The statement says, “There is provision for them to carry out up to 1000km of testing with any team – provided every team is offered the opportunity to do so.”
“Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG were advised by the FIA that such a development test could be possible if carried out by Pirelli, as opposed to the team that would provide the car and driver, and that such tests would be conditional upon every team being given the same opportunity to test in order to ensure full sporting equity.”
But the FIA says that they received no further information, nor did they receive any confirmation that other teams were invited to take part. Based on the reaction of rival teams, it’s safe to assume they were never offered the opportunity.
The FIA may refer the matter to the International Tribunal and penalties superceding all other decisions by the stewards may be issued.
Looks like Mercedes are in some real trouble over this one. Do you think they should be punished? Let us know in the comments below.
See the the full FIA statement below:
“At the beginning of May, the FIA was asked by Pirelli if it was possible for it to carry out some tyre development testing with a team, using a current car. Within the contract Pirelli has with the FIA as single supplier, there is provision for them to carry out up to 1000km of testing with any team – provided every team is offered the opportunity to do so.
“Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG were advised by the FIA that such a development test could be possible if carried out by Pirelli, as opposed to the team that would provide the car and driver, and that such tests would be conditional upon every team being given the same opportunity to test in order to ensure full sporting equity.
“Following this communication, the FIA received no further information about a possible test from Pirelli or from Mercedes-AMG. Furthermore, the FIA received no confirmation that all teams had been given an opportunity to take part in this test.
“In addition, with regard to the application of the sport’s rules, including principles of sporting equity, it should be remembered that the International Sporting Code provides that on the basis of a report of the stewards of the meeting, or on its own initiative, the prosecuting body of the FIA may bring a matter before the International Tribunal.
“The Tribunal may decide to inflict penalties that would supercede any penalty the stewards of the meeting may have issued. Such procedure would be followed in pursuance of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.”
