SectorOne wrote:GTSpeedster wrote:The answer couldn't be simpler as all criminals, cheaters and rule breakers in general always think they can get away with it one way or another.
Ever heard the term innocent until proven guilty?
I´d probably take it easy calling Mercedes and Pirelli criminals, cheaters and rule breakers.
For the record, I don't think anyone has actually called either of them cheaters. Other teams, wider media, forum members, the FIA, the Stewards and the general public have raised suspicion and called into question why the Sporting Regulations were broken. Hence it's being passed it to the Tribunal.
Are you prepared to accept Mercedes broke the Regs, if the Tribunal find it so? What do you call people who break the rules?
IMO, Merc knew they couldn't test a current car. They also knew Pirelli had a joker card - 1000km testing and 'safety' concerns. If it was spruked the right way, through all the grey, they might get away with a 3 day test. Was it worth the gamble? Answer is - no. Otherwise they would've had concrete answers, unanimous team approval and a public thumbs up - before the event.
Knowing that ignorance is not an excuse, they approached the FIA to get 'approval' to go ahead. But did they get it? Certainly it seems the FIA approved 1000kms of testing - under the current regulations (that's what it seems Merc has broken). Throw in Pirelli's new possible contract, 'safety', arbitrage and the lack of other teams and the media knowing what was happening - and you have a highly suspicious act. Why else do you think all the teams are angry - do you think they're all wrong?
Why on earth Merc agreed is probably down to politics as well. A small fine to counter a 3 day test is arguably how they internally justified the blow black they knew would occur. Plus they can always blame Pirelli as "it's their test" - plausible deniability. Pirelli on the other hand are playing hard ball contract negotiations, they have nothing to loose - they don't have a contract, so nothing to loose - everything to gain. And it appears they think they're in the box seat. Ego makes people do stupid things.
So what
rules supreme? The Sporting Regulations, or secondary supplier contracts. If secondary contracts hold up, RedBull will be back with Magneti Marelli quick step - as they'll need 1000kms testing as well - do you see where this is going?
Take the fanboy away and look at it as a whole - it cannot be allowed to happen again - who's in charge is being questioned - and performance gains, more than ever, are being found in legal documents. None of which are good for the sport.