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F1 remains on tenterhooks as FIA delays 'test-gate' verdict

F1 remains on tenterhooks as FIA delays 'test-gate' verdict

  • Published on 21 Jun 2013 11:27
  • comments 0
  • By: Rob Veenstra
The world of F1 remains on tenterhooks after the FIA delayed its decision in the 'test-gate' scandal. Mercedes and Pirelli faced the music at the governing body's brand new international tribunal in Paris on Thursday, and the outcome was expected immediately afterwards. But "With proceedings having gone on late into Thursday afternoon, that verdict will now come on Friday", read a report on F1's official website.

The FIA's lawyer argued strongly that Mercedes' Pirelli tyre test in Barcelona last month broke the rules, and most insiders are expecting the Brackley based team to take a penalty. It seems Mercedes is also expecting the same, despite its lawyer arguing that the German carmaker "should actually be applauded" for helping Pirelli to improve the safety of F1's tyres.

Nonetheless, Mercedes said a "reprimand" might be an appropriate sanction, but also offered to sit out next month's young drivers' test at Silverstone to "level the playing field". "If we were wrong, we are sorry," said Mercedes' lawyer. "If there is to be any sanction, it has to be a minor one, as the procedures have not been clear to anybody."

Red Bull's Christian Horner, however - who attended Thursday's hearing - urged the FIA to reject Mercedes' offer of skipping Silverstone in July. "They've already done their test with senior drivers so being banned from a young driver test probably isn't much of a sanction," he told Sky.

Mercedes, however, was not only apologetic as it charged hard against the Jean Todt-led FIA's apparent double standards in failing to rebuke Ferrari. Indeed, it emerged on Thursday that test driver Pedro de la Rosa was not the only driver involved in Ferrari's post-Bahrain test with a 2011 car at Barcelona, but that Felipe Massa was also in action.

"They (Ferrari) are not criticised but apparently we are," said Mercedes' lawyer. "If we did these nefarious things to the fundamental principles (of sporting fairness) it cannot be the case that Ferrari didn't also do them," he insisted.

F1's tyre supplier Pirelli, meanwhile, indicated it was furious at the FIA for the charges. "Pirelli cannot accept and will not accept that its image and the quality of its products and its credibility be tarnished because of a case which is not admissible and which is unfounded," the Italian marque's lawyer said. (GMM)
F1 News Felipe Massa Pirelli Ferrari Mercedes

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Date
Grand Prix
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Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia
Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
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China
Shanghai International Circuit
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Miami International Autodrome
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Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
24 - May 26
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Monte Carlo
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Gilles Villeneuve
21 - Jun 23
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
28 - Jun 30
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Red Bull Ring
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United Kingdom
Silverstone
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Hungary
Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
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Italy
Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
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Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
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United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
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Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
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Brazil
Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
Losail International Circuit
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
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Date
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Bahrain Bahrain International Circuit
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain Bahrain International Circuit
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
Japan Circuit Suzuka
19 - Apr 21
China Shanghai International Circuit
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United States of America Miami International Autodrome
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Italy Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari
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Spain Circuit de Catalunya
28 - Jun 30
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5 - Jul 7
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19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
Belgium Spa-Francorchamps
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
Singapore Marina Bay Street Circuit
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United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
Mexico Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
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BR Felipe Massa -
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  • Date of b. Apr 21 1981 (42)
  • Place of b. Sao Paulo, BR
  • Weight 59 kg
  • Length 1.66 m
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