Mercedes accept International Tribunal’s decision MyZA

Ross Brawn, the Mercedes team principal.
Photo: Hoch Zwei/Action Images

Mercedes have accepted the decision of the FIA‘s International Tribunal (IT) to ban the team from this year’s young driver test and to issue them with an admonition following their participation in a private tyre test with Pirelli in Barcelona last month.

The IT deemed that Mercedes contravened Formula One regulations by taking part in the three-day, 1000 kilometre test with their 2013 car, but that there had been no intention by the team to obtain any unfair sporting advantage.

Mercedes’ statement in full:
“The MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team acknowledges and accepts the Decision of the FIA International Tribunal published today.

“The Decision of the International Tribunal confirmed that the team acted in good faith regarding the Pirelli Tests, never intended to obtain any unfair sporting advantage and had no reason to believe that approval for the Pirelli Tests had not been given.

“Mercedes accepts the proportionate penalties of a reprimand and suspension from the forthcoming Young Driver Test that have been decided upon by the Tribunal.

“Mercedes would like to once again restate its firm belief in proper due process and commend the FIA for the principle of an independent disciplinary body.

“The team would furthermore like to thank the International Tribunal and its President for the fair hearing it received yesterday.

“In the best interests of the sport, the team does not intend to avail itself of any right to appeal the Decision.

“Mercedes looks forward to working with the FIA and its fellow competitors to establish a more rigorous procedure for testing in the future, particularly to support the appointed tyre supplier.

“We now wish to bring this matter to a close and focus on the forthcoming British and German Grands Prix, both of which are important home races for the team.” – Formula 1