Mercedes set to face International Tribunal

The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has announced that the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team will have to appear in front of an International Tribunal following the revelation that emerged over the Monaco Grand Prix weekend in which they took part in a private test conducted by Pirelli after the Spanish Grand Prix.

(c) Octane Photographic

Details of the previously ‘secret’ test emerged on the Sunday of the Monaco Grand Prix where Red Bull Racing and Ferrari lodged official protests against the team. The matter was transferred from the stewards to the sports governing body.

It also emerged that Ferrari took part in a private Pirelli test prior to the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya.

However the crucial different between the two tests is that Ferrari used a two year old car, the 2011-spec car, driven by their test driver whereas Mercedes took part in the test with their 2013-spec car using race drivers.

The case against Ferrari has been dismissed but Mercedes will face an International Tribunal – the date has yet to be confirmed – which could see them severely punished through a fine, loss of championship points or even suspension. 

The statement issues by the FIA said: "In the light of all the replies received and in view of the information gathered during this inquiry, the president of the FIA, acting as the FIA prosecuting body, has decided:

"To close the case as regard to Scuderia Ferrari Team considering that its participation in the tyes test organised by Pirelli in Barcelona on 23-24 April 2013 using for this purpose a 2011 car is not deemed to contravene the applicable FIA rules.

"To bring the case concerning the tyre testing session carried out by Pirelli and Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 in Barcelona on 15-17 May 2013 before the FIA International Tribunal because it results from the inquiry that the conditions of this testing may constitute a breach of the applicable FIA rules.

"The FIA International Tribunal is called upon to make a decision in compliance with the FIA Judical and Disciplinary Rules."

Reacting to the statement, Mercedes said that they "acknowledge the decision of the FIA to take the matter of the Pirelli test before the International Tribunal," and that they "welcome the opportunity to explain the full facts of the Pirelli test in an open and transparent manner." They later added that they feel "Sporting integrity is of primary important to Mercedes-Benz."