FIA International Tribunal Hears Mercedes/Pirelli Case in Paris

The FIA International Tribunal held its hearing into MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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and Pirelli’s tire test between the Spanish Grand Prix and Monaco Grand Prix on Thursday, June 20. It verdict on the case is expected on Friday.

It began with the FIA outlining the case and reading Article 22 and Article 151c, which it believes that Mercedes violated.  The FIA said that Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn contacted race director Charlie Whiting and asked if it could conduct the test with a 2013 carMercedes-Benz W04Germany, 2013 > 20133 photos
if it was for a Pirelli tire test. Whiting told the team that they could as long has Pirelli has extended the opportunity to all of the other teams.

Mercedes claims that it did not break the rules because Pirelli ran the test; it just happened to be Mercedes’ 2013 car. Brawn contacted Whiting just to make sure it was acceptable.

Brawn claims that the team gained little or no benefit from the test.

Pirelli claims that because it is not a team, it is outside the rules of the FIA, and the tribunal does not have jurisdiction over it in this case. 

Source: Motorsport Magazine