Mercedes, Pirelli await FIA verdict following Paris hearing

Mercedes and Pirelli are waiting for the FIA’s decision on whether any rules were broken during the controversial tyre test that took place in Barcelona in the week after the Spanish grand prix. Pirelli counsel Dominique Dumas contends that it cannot be subject to the FIA’s jurisdiction as it is a supplier, though the FIA has responded that Pirelli’s contract binds the tyre supplier by Formula One regulations.

Meanwhile Mercedes, which as an F1 team certainly is subject to the FIA’s authority, contends that it could not have broken any rules since the test was conducted by Pirelli. The test utilised the current 2013 Mercedes car and the team’s two current drivers wearing unmarked helmets. It appears that while the use of the car and drivers is permitted by F1 regulations as long as Pirelli conducted the test, the regulation allowing for this eventuality is also subject to other teams being invited to participate.

The verdict of the tribunal is available here.

Related news:

• Brawn’s “conscience is clear” before tribunal
• Pirelli rules out new tyre for Silverstone as Vettel canters to Canada win