The more this debacle develops, the more I'm thinking that this is as much circus as substance, just another F1 controversy of the kind we fans should be used to by now. At a time when there's been a lot of moaning about the lack of real racing due to the tyres (which are as the FIA stipulated), suddenly we have a scandal to distract our attention and divert our displeasure, with several potential scapegoats ready and waiting. It seems to me that this whole situation grew out of a typical FIA farrago of vague regulation and contradictory contracts: i.e. a mess of their own making. However, as both law makers and enforcers, I doubt they'll be the ones to pay for any of this.
That's an Interesting development If we assume that the car they used was within the sporting regulations perhaps there are suspicions that they added parts onto the car? Either way the longer this drags on the worse I reckon for the sport as it will just lead to more uncertainty over the tyre supplier and what teams can/cannot do in testing.
Interesting also what Pirelli are saying, that they were given to understand that Mercedes had cleared everything with the FIA. The Italian-based tyre manufacturer has defended itself in the row over the Mercedes test, saying it was the company's understanding that the German team had cleared the test after "good discussion" with the FIA. "For these tests, as with others, we requested the use of a representative car," Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery said. "We wanted to create a test that gave us great value. It has been suggested in some quarters we asked for a 2013 car. That's not true. "We asked for a representative car. Our understanding is there was good discussion between Mercedes and the FIA on this subject." It's seemed to me from the very begining that Mercedes have taken the piss with the idea of placing the blame on the shoulders of this seasons favourite scapegoats, Pirelli. Not so concerned about the Ferrari test tbh, it's an old car with test drivers not run by the F1 team, Mercedes took their race cars and race drivers, despite being officially informed n 2012 that it would be breaking the ban on inseason testing to do so. In my opinion Mercedes F1 doesn't really have a leg to stand on, but that's what you pay the big bucks to the smart lawyers for.
Or maybe all parties concerned are trying to cover their backs in the hope that the buck will pass elsewhere.
Looking at Ferraris reaction there may be something in the Ferrari story. In theory what Mercedes have done is far worse but if the FIA approved it in error they could go after Ferrari to get the spotlight off themselves. The situation is a mess.
Why do I get the feeling this saga will drag on until the end of the season... Apparently (I'm not sure where they got this from) "10%" of the test Mercedes did at Barcelona was on 2013 tyres but the team was not aware of which tyres were being tested when. (Sourced from the latest BBC article.) Interesting that the main objection Ferrari are making stems from the fact that they conducted a test in an illegal fashion rather than they were caught testing - seems they actually agree Pirelli have the right to call any of the teams, it's just they object to the use of the 2013 car.
odd move but Christian Horner has defended Ferrari in the Tyre test scandal... http://en.espnf1.com/redbull/motorsport/story/109606.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
I know its far more dangerous but refueling and decent tyres makes F1 100% better as a spectacle We would of had lots of changing positions at Monaco rather than everyone following each other Also not knowing how much fuel somebody has put in the car to get pole position is great for the race To have cars going around a race circuit slower than they should be going because of looking after the tyres is wrong
hey everyone, i just found this site via the BBC's 'F1 page. i know that it is a little late but wanted to join the conversation. why F1 at times is it's own worst enemy. can't believe no one in charge at either Pirelli or Merc had foresight to see this coming. although the issues seem clear both james allen and joe saward have different takes on the matter. i have more thoughts if its allowed and links to their posts if you have not already read them. http://amerf1can.wordpress.com/2013...-flag-but-the-real-story-of-the-monaco-gp-is/
F1 at times is it's own worst enemy. can't believe no one had foresight to see this coming. although the issues seem clear meaning that this years tires went to far in pursuit of "the Show" both james allen and joe saward have different takes on the matter. i have more thoughts if its allowed and links to their posts http://amerf1can.wordpress.com/2013...-flag-but-the-real-story-of-the-monaco-gp-is/
'The FIA requested all the other F1 Teams to provide the FIA with information they may have regarding any tests carried out by Pirelli during the 2013 season. '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 a tyre testing organized 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 Judicial and Disciplinary Rules. * [1] The Stewards' report follows the protests made by Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari Team on the occasion of the Monaco Grand Prix against Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 concerning its participation in the Barcelona tests (15-17 May 2013).'
