A very interesting team principal press conference followed the second practice session ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix today.

Most notably, Ross Brawn revealed that it was him who made the decision to go ahead with the controversial Pirelli tyre testing in Barcelona following the Spanish Grand Prix.

Playing it very cool, calm and collected, Ross stated, “”It was my decision to do the testing, that is a fact, and let’s see what happens at tribunal and we go from there.”

The Brackley-based Mercedes F1 team is to face an FIA disciplinary hearing at the International Tribunal later this month to answer charges that it may have broken Formula 1 regulations by using its W04 2013 car during the Pirelli test.

Brawn was also quick to state that there was nothing “secret” about the test but that it was merely a “private” test.

Ross seemed very confident, almost as though he has an Ace or two up his sleeve. He was not willing to divulge why the team is so certain that it is in the clear after testing their 2013 car with Pirelli, but he said that he is eager for the facts of the case to come out so that Mercedes can clear its name.

“I wouldn’t say it is very pleasant at the moment but again I am comfortable and confident that once when we get to the tribunal the facts will become apparent and people can make a better judgement.”

“I think we would not have done the Pirelli test unless we believed we could do the Pirelli test. When we get to the tribunal you will have your answers,” he said.

Pirelli boss Paul Hembery, meanwhile, was absent from the press conference following advice from Pirelli lawyers not to attend.