Mercedes and Ferrari in 'secret' Pirelli tyre tests

[cider_and_toast]

By saying "they only tested tyres" surely they are admitting that they are guilty right there. As we know from the regs, the tyre test should have been run and controlled by Pirelli therefore, "Pirelli used our car to test tyres while Team XXXXX (fill in as required) used that as an opportunity to test their own components as well" would have been a better statement.

I think that the verdict against Mercedes is almost certainly guilty but the punishment remains to be seen. A Fine and a suspended docking of points or a fine and the loss of one days pre-season testing from next years allowance would be my best guess.

 

[pirateplunder]

Their defence is obvious - it was a Pirelli test not a Merc test. That might hold water for the bits about informing other participants but they are still weak on the getting FIA approval.

Whilst their Ferrari comments aren't much of a defence they are interesting. If Ferrari did indeed test components then a) that surely is just wrong, b) suggests that the 2011 car is similar enough to the 2013 car for component testing to be worthwhile. If thats the case then Ferrari should be in trouble because the rules dont state a 2011 car is ok, just a car not similar to a current spec car is ok (which people have taken to mean a 2011 car is ok). Also did we know that Ferrari tested at Barcelona before today? I always believed they tested at Bahrain but apparently it was in Spain, but around the time of Bahrain. If that is true then testing components at a track shortly before the actual GP on that track - can't possibly be acceptable.

 

[The Artist.....]

cider_and_toast

We are looking at a breach of the famous article 151c

Recent breaches of this have involved teams being disqualified from the WCC, a $100 million fine, several race ban, and ... No punishment at all...

 

[cider_and_toast]

The Artist..... I seem to remember there being some rule in the FIA guide to punishments that all orders handed down by the FIA must reflect the likelyhood of a major motor manufacturer picking up their bat and ball and going home in a huff.

 

[The Artist.....]

cider_and_toast... Yes, I seem to remember that rule as well! Although sometimes they do play the "but you can sack the person who you've wanted to get rid of for a little time, but had hung around like a bad smell in a thong..."

 

[Boyle]

I'm just waiting for someone to post that picture now...

 

[Bill Boddy]

I hope that your wish is in vain.

 

[LifeW12]

Does anyone think that this is very similar to the Benetton 1994 blag flag at Silverstone and Hockenheim fuel filter saga? And guess what, its Ross Brawn's team again

 

[The Artist.....]

Which picture, this picture?

THAT Picture

 

[teabagyokel]

The Artist..... - I have been forced to put that picture under a spoiler because... well, you know why...

 

[Bill Boddy]

Do you mind, I am about to have my lunch. Even hiding it behind a spoiler isn't enough, we know what is there. I wouldn't be surprised if even Google ban it.

 

[LifeW12]

What a mess, I'm glad there is IndyCar and NASCAR for me to follow.

 

[Incubus]

^^^ Both of which, hasve of course a history of being completely controversy-free.

 

[Boyle]

I just couldn't help clicking on it. It's like a car crash, you can't help but look.

Anyway, it's not looking good here for Mercedes. If they were given official permission they are being thrown under a bus by the FIA. If they weren't then it shows an unbelievable amount of naivety on there part to think it wouldn't be known at some point. I fear Mr Brawn will be put out into the wilderness by his team should they be threatened with expulsion.

 

[mjo]

I hope this doesn't ruin my fantasy f1....

It's interesting to hear that Pirelli are threatening to sue the FIA if they are hit with a large fine ... the FIA have really dug themselves into a hole with this hole (yes, that was deliberate ) affair, especially with the corrsepondence between Charlie Whiting and the FIA legal team. What is clear is that Mercedes sought permission for this test and it was given to them. How 'official' this permission is by a leading FIA official is the question.
I might buy some popcorn.

 

[The Artist.....]

Boyle - there has been no end of innuendo spoken about trying to get rid of Brawn for the last season or so... It seems odd, but I've had the inkling for the last few weeks that Brawn was going to be hung out to dry by Mercedes, and then will be shown the door as a convenient scape goat by Wolff and Lauda.

 

[sobriety]

Which I don't think bodes well for mercedes a a team

 

[LifeW12]

Pirelli out, Bridgestone in, as a result:

The 2013, 2014, 2015, 2015, .............., 2019 world champions Red Bull

 

[Boyle]

I hope this doesn't ruin my fantasy f1....

Ah yes, the real impact for members of this board will be on the FF1!

 

[KekeTheKing]

If Ferrari's test was fully legal because they used an "irrelevant" 2011 car, then what is the 2010 Renault considered that Pirelli has been using to develop their F1 tires, "completely obsolete"???? Point being, Mercedes has a very valid concern that the "relevant" clause should cover both cars or neither.

And if testing a 2011 car is free game, then why haven't any other teams jumped at this opportunity, especially the ones that constantly bemoan the lack of track time and regularly give seat time to Reserve Drivers instead of their Race Drivers during Practice.