Tag: fia

Mercedes escape F1 Testgate with a slap on the wrist

The International Tribunal announced today that Mercedes will be suspended from the upcoming Young Drivers Test in Silverstone and handed both the team and Pirelli a reprimand for their parts in the Testgate saga.

Following a 7 hour hearing on Thursday and a morning of deliberating on the verdict it was announced that both parties were guilty and were being punished for contravening sporting regulations.

The panel decided that Mercedes did act in breach of Article 22.4 of the sporting regulations which forbids any in-season testing with a current car and ruled that they “did maintain some material advantage” which “at least potentially, gave it an unfair sporting advantage.

Both Mercedes and Pirelli were also found to be in breach of Articles 1 and 151 of the International Sporting Code which covers cases of bringing the sport into disrepute.

One would expect a rather hefty punishment for such serious breaches of regulations but mitigating factors came into play. The panel found that there was no intention by either Pirelli or Mercedes to gain “any unfair sporting advantage”. They also found that neither Pirelli nor Mercedes acted in bad faith. Further they found that Pirelli and Mercedes “disclosed to the FIA at least the essence of what they intended to do in relation to the test and attempted to obtain permission for it; and Mercedes had no reason to believe that approval had not been given”. Lastly that the actions of Charlie Whiting, who had indicated the test would be permissible, were “taken in good faith and with the intention of assisting the parties and consistent with sporting fairness”.

The end result? A slap on the wrist really. The panel chose to hand down the punishment suggested by Mercedes themselves during the hearing.

Let’s take a look at what this Testgate “punishment” really means. There is absolutely no doubt that Mercedes got off very lightly when one considers the rules they are said to have breached.

The first question is around the reprimand. I’d really like to know what a reprimand really is because the FIA seems to hand out a great deal of them. As far as I know a reprimand is something along the lines of, “That was very naughty boys! Bad, bad behaviour!”.

If that’s the punishment for breaching F1 regulations, why would any teams bother adhering to rules in future?

What is really perplexing though is the young driver test suspension which the panel handed down in order to place the other teams “in a similar position to that in which Mercedes is in”. Really? A similar position? How is a 3 day test with senior drivers, on a circuit you have all to yourself in any way similar to a 3 day test with rookie drivers on a circuit with 9 other teams?

The real losers here are the young drivers who will now no longer be able to take part in the F1 test they have no doubt been dreaming about for the last couple of months. Sam Bird, who would have driven in the young driver test for Mercedes is the guy who’s really getting punished at the end of the day. A real pity that.

If this is the punishment, then one has to believe that it is entirely farcical. A big show from the FIA so that they are able to say that they did in fact hand down a punishment. The FIA were in the wrong here in the first place since they really did allow the test as the evidence showed. They
would of course never put their hands up and say they were in the wrong so it seems like they did the best they could and slapped Merc on the wrist. What they didn’t think about, clearly, is the young driver getting the short end of the stick.

Ferrari and Red Bull, who raised the Testgate protest to start off with, are bound to be pretty darn unhappy about things. While Red Bull is refraining from getting into commenting about their thoughts on the verdict, Ferrari have already voiced their discontent with the verdict through their anonymous ‘Horse Whisperer’ column saying that it is “somewhat perplexing to say the least to see that the guilty party can get away virtually scot free for having derived an unfair sporting advantage.”

The column went on to say, “Don’t tell me that testing for three days on your own at the Catalunya circuit is the same as doing so with nine other teams at Silverstone with a host of young hopefuls at the wheel, in an area where the weather can still be changeable even in the height of summer.”

“And what if this whole incident had taken place after the young driver test, what would have been the penalty then? Would they have been forbidden from holding an end of year dinner?”

Clearly the Maranello team are not happy with the outcome.

On the flip side, this is not the first time that a team has gotten off with a slap on the wrist following breaches in regulations. And it most certainly won’t be the last. Adrian Newey is the master at that game. Mercedes saw a loophole, and took it. Well played, I suppose. It seems that this is the way of Formula One. This time Testgate, next time Turbogate?

What are your thoughts on the Testgate verdict? Do you think it’s fair? Let us know in the comments section below.

June 21, 2013
F1: Tyregate Verdict: Mercedes get a Reprimand
Below is the statement released by the FIA regarding the tyre test involving Pirelli and Mercedes AMG Pertronas

Disciplinary procedure against Mercedes and Pirelli (2013 FIA Formula One World Championship)

Reminder of the facts

On 5 June 2013, further to protests lodged during the 2013 Monaco GP by Red Bull Racing and Ferrari Scuderia Team against cars n°9 and 10 (Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team) for having conducted with Pirelli a three day tyre testing using a 2013 car on 15, 16 and 17 May in Barcelona, the President of the FIA, acting as the FIA Prosecuting Body, sent to the President of the International Tribunal a notification of charges against Pirelli and a notification of charges against Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

On 5 June 2013, Pirelli and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team have been convened by the President of the International Tribunal to appear before a judging panel of the International Tribunal.

Decision of the International Tribunal

The Tribunal, after having heard the parties and examined their submissions, decided that:
1. Mercedes be reprimanded;
1. Mercedes be suspended from participating in the forthcoming “three day young driver training test”;
1. Pirelli be reprimanded.
and rejected all other and further conclusions.

The International Tribunal was presided over by Mr Edwin GLASGOW QC (Great Britain), and included Mr Christy HARRIS (United States), Mr Patrick RAEDERSDORF (Switzerland) and Mr Anthony SCOTT ANDREWS (Great Britain).
June 21, 2013
FIA sets June date for Mercedes-Pirelli test International Tribunal hearing

The FIA’s International Tribunal will meet in Paris on June 20 to hear the case against Mercedes and Pirelli concerning their recent tyre test in Barcelona. This follows the protests lodged by Red Bull Racing and Ferrari at the Monaco Grand Prix.

They are to consider whether the 3-day f1 tyre test conducted last month using a 2013 car, broke Formula One regulations, which prohibit the use of current cars for in-season testing.

The FIA has said a decision will be announced as soon as possible after the hearing. Should Mercedes and/or Pirelli be found guilty of charges, the International Tribunal has the power to impose a wide range of sanctions.

Here is the FIA statement in full:

The following hearing of the International Tribunal will take place in Paris:

Hearing

Disciplinary procedure against Mercedes and Pirelli (2013 FIA Formula One World Championship)

On 5 June 2013, further to protests lodged during the 2013 Monaco GP by Red Bull Racing and Ferrari Scuderia Team against cars n°9 and 10 (Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team) for having conducted with Pirelli a three day tyre testing using a 2013 car on 15, 16 and 17 May in Barcelona, the President of the FIA, acting as the FIA Prosecuting Body, sent to the President of the International Tribunal a notification of charges against Pirelli and a notification of charges against Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

On 5 June 2013, Pirelli and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team have been convened by the President of the International Tribunal to appear before a judging panel of the International Tribunal.

When

09.30 hrs

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Where

FIA Salle du Comité,

8, place de la Concorde,

75008 Paris

Decision

The decision of the International Tribunal will be published as soon as possible after the hearing.

June 11, 2013
Ross Brawn puts his head on the chopping block in Pirelligate

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.

June 7, 2013
FIA calls Mercedes to Tribunal and dismisses case against Ferrari
The FIA has called Mercedes to appear before its International Tribunal to answer questions concerning the controversial F1 tyre test for Pirelli.

In a statement released by the sport’s governing body they said, “In the light of all the replies received and in view of the information gathered during this inquiry, the President of the FIA, acting as the FIA prosecuting body, has decided to bring the case concerning the tyre testing session carried out by Pirelli and Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 in Barcelona on 15-17 May 2013 before the FIA International Tribunal because it results from the inquiry that the conditions of this testing may constitute a breach of the applicable FIA rules.”

“The FIA International Tribunal is called upon to make a decision in compliance with the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.”

In the same statement, the FIA also confirmed it will close its case against Ferrari who had conducted an F1 tyre test for Pirelli in April, using the 150 Italia which was last used in Formula One in 2011. “Its participation in a tyre testing organised by Pirelli in Barcelona on 23-24 April 2013 using for this purpose a 2011 car is not deemed to contravene the applicable FIA rules.”

Here is the full statement as published by the FIA on Wednesday 5 June 2013:

The Monaco Grand Prix Stewards raised in their report to the FIA an issue concerning a tyre testing session carried out by Pirelli with the participation of Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 in Barcelona on 15-17 May 2013[1].

The FIA requested clarifications from Pirelli and Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 in this respect.

The FIA also asked questions to Scuderia Ferrari Team, which took part in a tyre testing with Pirelli in Barcelona on 23-24 April 2013.

The FIA requested all the other F1 Teams to provide the FIA with information they may have regarding any tests carried out by Pirelli during the 2013 season.

In the light of all the replies received and in view of the information gathered during this inquiry, the President of the FIA, acting as the FIA prosecuting body, has decided:
- To close the case as regard to Scuderia Ferrari Team considering that its participation in a tyre testing organized by Pirelli in Barcelona on 23-24 April 2013 using for this purpose a 2011 car is not deemed to contravene the applicable FIA rules.
- To bring the case concerning the tyre testing session carried out by Pirelli and Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 in Barcelona on 15-17 May 2013 before the FIA International Tribunal because it results from the inquiry that the conditions of this testing may constitute a breach of the applicable FIA rules.
The FIA International Tribunal is called upon to make a decision in compliance with the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.

[1] The Stewards’ report follows the protests made by Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari Team on the occasion of the Monaco Grand Prix against Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 concerning its participation in the Barcelona tests (15-17 May 2013).
June 5, 2013
Pirelli – Full statement over Mercedes tyre test

Pirelli also issued a statement today about the three day test carried out in Barcelona with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team.

Here is the full statement:

Milan, 31 May 2013 – Pirelli, in development testing with teams carried out in 2013, has not favoured any teams and, as always, acted professionally, with transparency and in absolute good faith. The tyres used were not from the current championship but belonged to a range of products still being developed in view of an eventual renewal of the supply contract. Further, none of the tests were carried for the purpose of enhancing specific cars, but only to test tyre solutions for future championships. The use of the car utilized by Mercedes, in particular, was the result of direct communication between FIA and the team itself. Pirelli did not ask in any way that a 2013 car be used: not of Mercedes nor Fia nor the teams which, during the year, were offered the opportunity of participating in tests for the development of tyres for 2014. The tyres that will be tested by the teams in the free practice at the Montreal Grand Prix have never been used by the teams before. With regard to the new tyres, the problem of delamination has been solved by Pirelli’s technicians exclusively through laboratory testing. Delamination, which only occurred on four occasions and always because of on-track detritus, has never put the drivers’ safety at risk, but does risk harming Pirelli’s image. This is why the company decided to intervene.

With regard to the rules which govern its conduct, the company has always respected the contractual limits which bind it to the FIA, teams and championship’s organizers, and has always respected the principles of sporting loyalty.

Pirelli, however, feels the need to reaffirm the indisputable need to carry out tests for the development of tyres which are adequate and regulated by rules which are clear and shared by all the interested parties. The company confirms its availability, as communicated to the teams many times in the past, to organize tests for the development of tyres for 2014 with all the teams in the championship.

PIRELLI’S ANSWERS TO FIA

With regard to requests for information received from FIA, Pirelli promptly provided the answers needed to clarify what happened at the tests, as far as its own responsibilities went.

DEVELOPMENT TESTS FOR 2014 TYRES WERE OFFERED TO ALL: NO FAVOURTISM

The tests were conducted in observance of the contract between Pirelli and FIA, which gives the supplier the possibility of carrying out tests for the development of tyres with each team of up to 1,000 kilometres, without specifying the type of car to be used, nor sanctioning the simultaneous presence of all the teams for the running of the tests. In this regard, Pirelli has since 2010 made it clear that it is neither possible nor useful to carry out this type of test with all the teams simultaneously. In fact, this type of testing aimed at technological development and researching new solutions, involves many tyres of different types which must be tested with a single car at a time. Testing for championship specifications is different, as occurs in winter testing which require the participation of all the teams, so as to find the most satisfying solutions for all the cars in the competition. For this reason, Pirelli insists on the need for winter testing under conditions which are truly representative of the situations which will be met during the championship.

Already in March 2012, Pirelli sent an email to all the teams, FIA and FOM, inviting the teams to indicate their availability for testing for the development of tyres for 2013. Further, the company explained that it was necessary to conduct the tests with the teams’ cars because it did not have a suitable one of its own (Pirelli has the use of an adapted 2010 Renault and, before that, a 2009 Toyota).

The invitation was subsequently repeated in various official contexts and repeated to some teams last March for the development of tyres for 2014.

THE TEST CONDUCTED IN BARCELONA WAS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TYRES FOR 2014 AND NOT FOR THE MODIFICATION OF 2013 SPECIFICATIONS

This test, as always, carried out with a single compound never used in a championship, regarded structures not in use in the current season and not destined to be used later during the 2013 season. The tyre tests were conducted “in the dark”, which means that the teams had no information on which specifications were being tested or about the goal of the testing; nor did they receive any type of information afterwards.

May 31, 2013
FIA calls Mercedes and Ferrari F1 teams for further investigation into tyre testing

According to a statement released by the FIA this evening, the Mercedes and Ferrari F1 teams have been called to supply further information for a disciplinary inquiry over the recent “secret” Pirelli F1 tyre test that took place in Barcelona.

The recent uproar was initially focused around the secret Pirelli test carried out by Mercedes after the news broke during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

Ferrari and Red Bull Racing lodged a protest against Mercedes using their current 2013 car in the test at Barcelona immediately after the Spanish Grand Prix. The stewards then referred the matter to the FIA.

It has since emerged that the Corse Clienti, Ferrari’s customer car division provided a 2011 car for a Pirelli tyre test two weeks before the Mercedes test took place.

This evening, the FIA issued a statement saying that the Formula One Governing Body wanted both Mercedes and Ferrari to participate in the investigation surrounding the tyre testing.

Their statement read as follows:

“The FIA has asked Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 and Scuderia Ferrari Team which have taken part in tyre tests in the 2013 season to reply to a disciplinary inquiry in pursuance of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules,” said the statement.

“This follows the Stewards’ Report from the Monaco Grand Prix and represents supplementary information required by the FIA in the light of the replies received from Pirelli, who were asked for clarifications on Tuesday May 28.”

It was previously believed that running the tyre tests with a 2011 car was within the rules but it now seems that this could be doubt as it could be argued that the 2011 car is not “substantially different” from the 2013 car as is required by Article 22.1 of the F1 sporting regulations.

May 31, 2013
F1 2013: Monte Carlo Review – Lights to flag victory for Rosberg

It has taken thirty years for a son to emulate his father’s victory around the tight and twisting streets of Monte Carlo.

Mercedes’ chances in Saturday qualifying had always looked good but the test would come in the 78 lap race. The team’s struggles with tyre degradation had been well documented and many had expected them to fade on this Sunday as they had on so many other occasions. However, a controlled race from lights out had Nico Rosberg in the pound seats from the very first lap.

The first thirty laps of the Monaco GP was an exhibition by Rosberg and Hamilton as the two Mercedes set a steady pace and managed their race to within an inch of perfection. The two Red Bull’s of Vettel and Webber had made better get-aways but the tight entry to Ste Devote meant they had nowhere to go and the pair of them slotted in behind the two Silver Arrows.

So docile was the pace of Rosberg and Hamilton that the Caterham of Giedo van der Garde ran as the fastest car, by quite some margin, for a limited period of the race. Nevertheless, the twenty-five points and glory of winning the Monaco grand prix was the end goal and how they went about reaching it wasn’t of any concern.

After this display of ‘controlled aggression’ as coined by Mark Webber, the questions around Pirelli and what they are offering Formula 1 will deepen. Critics of the 2013 tyre compounds were undoubtedly armed with new ammunition after the Monaco GP and rightly so. Cruising around, three seconds a lap off the possible pace is not what fans want to see and more than likely not what drivers want to be doing. Formula 1 has always been about pushing the limits, daring to go the very edge of what is possible. It may be easy and comfortable to poke holes in Pirelli’s brief Formula 1 sojourn but it is also clear that something needs to change. A second tyre manufacturer to stir the pot perhaps?

Despite the monotony of the opening sting of the race by lap 30 the most famous race on the calendar would be turned on its head. A car problem pitched Ferrari’s Felipe Massa into the barriers of turn one and deployed the safety car. The Brazilian was held at the side of the track for a while but was later reported as uninjured. Two Red Bulls, Raikkonen, Alonso and the two Macca’s made use of the safety car and dived into the pits for a fresh set of boots. It didn’t quite go to plan for Mercedes as they had to stack Rosberg and Hamilton in the pitlane with the latter slipping from second to fourth as a result.

While Rosberg was easily holding Vettel and Webber at bay, a crash triggered by Marussia’s Max Chilton would bring the race to a stop. After failing to see him, Chilton clashed with Pastor Maldonado on the entry to Tabac sending the Williams airborne into the barrier. The track, partially blocked by the Tecpro barrier, had to be cleared on debris before the race could be restarted.

The carnage was far from over and to say Romain Grosjean had been experiencing a tough weekend could be considered the understatement of the year. The Lotus driver had crash on three separate occasions earlier in the weekend and the race was going to be no exception. Saving the most peculiar crash for last, Grosjean ran into the back of Ricciardo’s Toro Rosso on the exit of the tunnel. Grosjean’s Lotus was strewn across the track and the safety car deployed for a second time. Grosjean later remarked that he didn’t anticipate Ricciardo braking at that point. Can we deduce that in future he would prefer the car in front not to brake for the corner? Scarily, that almost makes perfect Grosjean-esque sense. The Frenchman has been given a ten place grid penalty for the next race and is believed to be on the brink of being replaced by his team.

The drama was far from over when the race restarted on lap 67 as a rejuvenated Adrian Sutil first passed Button and then Fernando Alonso. A ridiculous call from the stewards instructed Alonso earlier in the race to give his sixth place to Sergio Perez after avoiding a collision with the Mexican. Spotting that it had already worked once, Perez tried the same move on Raikkonen into the Nouvelle chicane. Perez, nowhere near enough to attempt an overtake, collided with Raikkonen. Checo was finally put out of his misery with a broken left-front suspension. There is no hesitation about the fact that the young Mexican has talent but his current way doing business and mistaking the rest of the field for bumper cars already has him well on his way of being branded F1’s newest crash-kid.

As a result of the incident Kimi Raikkonen was forced to pit with a puncture and exited the pitlane in 16^th place with seemingly no chance of scoring any points on the day. But with fresh tyres the undoubtedly angry Finn lapped six seconds a lap faster and passed five cars, in two laps, to take tenth and the final point on offer.

Nico Rosberg drove a composed race to clinch his second career victory and he deserved every one of the twenty-five points for it. He wasn’t expected to rattle Hamilton’s cage the way he has in 2013. Rosberg has been the nearly-man in F1 for too long but the way he has upped his game with the arrival of the illustrious Lewis Hamilton has boosted his shares and earned widespread respect. Good on you Nico!

May 29, 2013
FIA says Pirelli should have invited other teams to F1 tyre test

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.”

May 26, 2013
Formula 1 2013: Mercedes in secret tyre test row

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.

May 26, 2013