Merc off to the Tribunal

[Scott]

Wonder how much it's going to cost Merc and/or Pirelli?

http://www.planet-f1.com/driver/3213/8760369/Mercedes-welcome-International-Tribunal

[Scott]

In the Thurs press conference a reporter asked why Nico and Lewis were wearing 'anonymous' helmets.  No comment was the response of course.  I hadn't heard that one before.  It's really starting to stink more and more.

 

[vintly]

It certainly is, and with Ross Brawn saying outright that they weren't looking for 'secrecy', just 'privacy' – that doesn't sound any better.

Furthermore, now Horner's come out and said they turned Pirelli down for a similar test as it didn't fell within the spirit of the rules!

[John S]

Furthermore, now Horner's come out and said they turned Pirelli down for a similar test as it didn't fell within the spirit of the rules!

Since when has the spirit of the rules bothered Red Bull Racing? 

[Scott]

EJ was talking with Ross Brawn in an interview and Ross said some of the other teams were approached by Pirelli but (this is only what Brawn said, not necessarily in the correct context) they said 'What is in it for us?'.  Then Brawn suggested that Mercedes just did the test to 'help out' Pirelli. 

I suggest the context may not be correct because what team would turn down the opportunity for a 1000km test, even if they were blind to the tire compounds used?  Add that to the fact that Merc didn't announce it to the other teams, thus not giving any of them the opportunity to be present for the test (also in the rules).

I think the big question will be answered today.  Did Mercedes benefit from the test?  Monaco was a bit of an anomaly, because the fastest car does not necessarily win.  But in Canada, if they are right at the sharp end of the field and actually advance on the other top teams (something they haven't been able to do before the test after the Spanish GP and before the test), then it is plain to everyone that they in fact DID benefit from the test, in either new bits that they perhaps tested along with the tires, or if they simply understand the tires better after doing the test.

We will see.

[vintly]

Furthermore, now Horner's come out and said they turned Pirelli down for a similar test as it didn't fell within the spirit of the rules!

Since when has the spirit of the rules bothered Red Bull Racing? 

When it suits them.   Fine upstanding pillars of the F1 community are Red Bull. 

[Scott]

I think it is now quite clear that Merc benefited from the test and/or Pirelli changed more than just the construction of the tires in this latest update.  How could the SS not go more than a handful of laps on a hot track in Spain and yesterday (track temp was over 30c at the start of the race) some ran 30 laps on the SS?  Pirelli and Merc will have a lot of explaining to do.

[Jericoke]

Furthermore, now Horner's come out and said they turned Pirelli down for a similar test as it didn't fell within the spirit of the rules!

Since when has the spirit of the rules bothered Red Bull Racing? 

Because they know the FIA is looking for an excuse to throw the book at them 

[lkjohnson1950]

In a blog for ESPN, Kate Walker says rumor in the paddock has it that Ross Brawn has an E-mail from Charlie Whiting Okaying the test.

Full article here: http://blogs.espnf1.com/The_Inside_Line/

[vintly]

That ties in with what Sky (Brundle?) said during one of the programs – that Charlie Whiting had 'okayed' the test with Mercedes. Gonna be interesting to see how they deal with this. Stripping Whiting of some of his power might be a way to diffuse the situation without having to massively penalise Mercedes (points / financial). Who's gonna be the fall guy??

[Ian]

It sure ain't gonna be the FIA is it vin.

[vintly]

It sure ain't gonna be the FIA is it vin.

Think you're right there Ian.

Blame it on Webber. And Button. Both of them. I've had enough of this 'nice guy' façade nonsense. They're devious, manipulative, appalling ambassadors for the sport. They must have had something to do with it. 

[Scott]

 

[Scott]

Bernie comes out on side for Pirelli.  He does have a point, and more importantly, if bth Pirelli and Merc agree to the test, isn't the onus on Merc to use the correct car (at least 2yrs old), and to notify the other teams of the test? 

http://www.planet-f1.com/news/3213/8776088/Ecclestone-Backs-Pirelli-In-Test-Gate

It will be interesting to see how detailed the email was between Charlie and Ross.  If it turns out it was just a short and vague confirmation of some kind of tire test, but without Merc asking for special permission to use a current car, and if there was no mention of doing it without giving the other teams notice so they can observe, then I suppose Merc is going to get penalized.  I think Brawn knows the rules better than Charlie.

Luca agrees about going after Merc, but that is no surprise...http://www.pitpass.com/49274-Montezemolo-In-Todt-we-trust

[Alianora La Canta]

It wouldn't surprise me if the Whiting email okayed the test subject to Pirelli meeting its own obligations. If these weren't met (and it sounds like they weren't), then Mercedes may well escape punishment and Pirelli will be left to face the FIA's anger alone.