Mercedes and Pirelli await verdict in F1 ‘illegal tyre test’ case.
Photo: AP Images
A verdict is expected today into whether Mercedes and Pirelli broke Formula 1‘s rules with an illegal tyre test.
A hearing took place on Thursday at the FIA‘s headquarters in Paris.
The governing body’s international tribunal was told Mercedes did not get permission to take part in the three-day 1,000km tyre test last month.
But Mercedes said they could not have broken the rules because Pirelli conducted the test.
A wide range of penalties are open to the tribunal, from exclusion from the championship, through race bans to fines. They could also choose to acquit either or both parties.
A guilty verdict for Mercedes or Pirelli could have far-reaching consequences.
Pirelli is considering suing F1′s governing body the FIA if the company is hit with a heavy penalty.
And Mercedes may feel it would have to consider its F1 future if the company’s integrity is impugned in any way.
FIA counsel Mark Howard said Mercedes did ask in general terms about using a 2013 car at the test.
But he said any permission given was conditional on the other teams being informed, which they were not. – BBC Sport
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