Leaked letter reveals breach in in-season test rules by Mercedes

A letter, reportedly sent out during April, was leaked which clearly dictates that a ‘tyre test’ could only be staged with the unanimous support of all the teams, thereby weakening Mercedes’ appeal for innocence days after it was revealed that them and Pirelli had orchestrated a three-day tire testing after the Spanish GP.

The letter in question has revealed that all the F1 teams, including Mercedes, were explicitly warned that no in-season testing would be permitted despite the provision for Pirelli to run 1,000km of tyre-testing.

The letter stated: “Pirelli is entitled under the terms of their agreement with the FIA to offer teams 1,000km of tyre-testing, subject to each team being treated equally. However, there are no provisions within the sporting regulations for such testing to take place in-season.”

In spite of the clear declarations of the regulations, Mercedes continues to insist that the test was within the rules. Seizing the opportunity, Mercedes’ rivals are staying put on the theory that a breach of the regulations has been committed.

Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali argued that “There is not a doubt the 2013 car was used and, as is written in the regulations, the two previous years’ cars cannot be used in the season in this way.”

Now if the Mercedes are found guilty, by the FIA’s International Tribunal, of transgressing the rules, then they can be admonished with a wide-range of penalties ranging from a huge fine to points deduction.