FIA looking to strengthen control on Testing

F1 racing’s governing body, the FIA, says it would control the testing, following the hearing into Mercedes‘ and Pirelli’s recent private tyre test at Barcelona.

FIA’s International Tribunal (IT) said that Mercedes contravened F1 regulations while taking part in the 3 day, 1000 kilometre test with their 2013 car, but wasn’t done intentionally to gain any unfair advantage.

While Mercedes have been suspended from taking part in this year’s young driver test, both Mercedes and Pirelli have been given orders to share the costs of the case with the FIA.

“The FIA duly notes the decision handed down today by the FIA IT against Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Pirelli Tyres.

“This decision follows (1) the disciplinary proceedings instigated by the FIA, on the basis in particular of the reports by the Stewards of the Monaco Grand Prix, forwarded to the FIA following the two protests made by Scuderia Ferrari Team and Red Bul Racing respectively, and (2) the hearing that took place yesterday before the International Tribunal with the participation of all the parties concerned.

“The FIA wishes that lessons are learnt from this case and from the decision handed down. To this end, the FIA will make sure, in association with all F1 teams, that its control of the testing is strengthened.

“It is recalled that the notification of the FIA IT’s decision opens to each of the parties concerned with the possibility of bringing an appeal against this decision before the FIA International Court of appeal within 7 days.”

Source: ESPN F1