F1technical.net

WhiteBlue wrote:

Pierce89 wrote:There is only one rule, the one in the sporting regs. I don't see how Merc could argue that the contract between the FIA and Pirelli could alleviate the need for Merc to follow the sporting regs. Pirelli's contract is just that: A contract with an outside supplier. That has nothing to do with the requirement for teams to follow the regs.

You need to read the thread to understand why the regulations probably have not been broken at all. The regulations prohibit competitors to run in season tests. Mercedes will argue that they did not run the test and that Pirelli was the party that run the test using their cars and drivers. So it is not a question of the Pirelli contract alleviating the requirement for teams to follow the regs. The simple question for the tribunal to discover is who ran the test. Was the team sufficiently fire walled from the running of the test to claim no significant involvement. I find it entirely possible that the tribunal will find that. The only team members closely involved in the test so far seem to be the drivers and they have no team responsibility under their FiA license. If some other team members with FiA license such as the directors or race engineers were involved that would be a much bigger problem. In that case Mercedes would be guilty as hell.

GTSpeedster wrote:It couldn't be simpler. How some people insist on defending Merc and Pirelli is beyond impressive as the rule was obviously and unquestionably broken.

You are obviously wrong! Read the thread!

xpensive wrote:

WhiteBlue wrote:

xpensive wrote:More like MrE coersed Pirelli to it, in order for Mercedes to gain five races worth of mid-season testing time. Or so I think.

It looks more like three race distances to me, but generally you seem to have hit the nail on the head.

Correct, but it is sad that Mercedes is to such a value for MrE that he takes a page out of Vince McMahon's book.

WhiteBlue wrote: ...
We should not be surprised. Bernie knows how to exploit drama for marketing. This charade has some entertainment value as the continued discussion in the media and in this thread testifies. Once in a while you need some scandals like stolen drawings, rigged races or broken test regulations to get the mouths wagging and the press to unleash a torrent of publicity for F1.

WhiteBlue wrote:

GTSpeedster wrote:It couldn't be simpler. How some people insist on defending Merc and Pirelli is beyond impressive as the rule was obviously and unquestionably broken.

You are obviously wrong! Read the thread!

WhiteBlue wrote:

Pierce89 wrote:There is only one rule, the one in the sporting regs. I don't see how Merc could argue that the contract between the FIA and Pirelli could alleviate the need for Merc to follow the sporting regs. Pirelli's contract is just that: A contract with an outside supplier. That has nothing to do with the requirement for teams to follow the regs.

You need to read the thread to understand why the regulations probably have not been broken at all. The regulations prohibit competitors to run in season tests. Mercedes will argue that they did not run the test and that Pirelli was the party that ran the test using Merc's cars and drivers. So it is not a question of the Pirelli contract alleviating the requirement for teams to follow the regs. The simple question for the tribunal to discover is who ran the test. Was the team sufficiently fire walled from the running of the test to claim no significant involvement. I find it entirely possible that the tribunal will find that. The only team members closely involved in the test so far seem to be the drivers and they have no team responsibility under their FiA license. If some other team members with FiA license such as the directors or race engineers were involved that would be a much bigger problem. In that case Mercedes would be guilty as hell.

GTSpeedster wrote:It couldn't be simpler. How some people insist on defending Merc and Pirelli is beyond impressive as the rule was obviously and unquestionably broken.

You are obviously wrong! Read the thread!
Edited they wouldn't for grammar. WB

GTSpeedster wrote: Excuse me but since when does anyone need to read a thread in an internet forum to be told what is or isn't correct about anything? And told by whom? Certainly not by someone so blindly biased like you...

But just to be clear I've read every single post of this thread since the secret test took place, including yours, which, to be frank, more often than not made me feel quite second handed embarrassed.

No real racing fan should ever condone incorrect or improper acts even (and perhaps specially) when perpetrated by their beloved teams or drivers or whomever!

Pierce89 wrote:I just feel Merc at the very least had more to do with the test than just providing a car. If Pirelli "ran the test" there shouldn't be any need for Merc's race team to stick around. Surely Merc was operating the car, which requires them to see significant data. IDK, I just think Merc benefitted significantly or they wouldn't have been there. Besides, if it was development for 2014, an older car with less DF would seemingly be better suited.

GTSpeedster wrote:Excuse me but since when does anyone need to read a thread in an internet forum to be told what is or isn't correct about anything? And told by whom? Certainly not by someone so blindly biased like you...

• Firstly I find it appropriate to read a thread if someone wants to make informed posts and comments.
• Secondly I assumed that you did not read the thread because you made points that had already been debunked.
• Thirdly, I'm not biased at all and particularly not blindly biased. Quite contrary I feel that I'm very well informed, have in depth knowledge of the legal and regulation aspects of this case and have posted a well considered and balanced opinion.

GSpeedR wrote:If Merc's 2013 car was involved in a test at a sanctioned track then it is undoubtedly an advantage over their competitors. Even if no Merc engineers were present (which is absurd, BTW), the Mercedes drivers and components were getting track time, both of which are significant.

GSpeedR wrote: In my opinion, Mercedes should either be punished for blatantly cheating or for their stupidity.

turbof1 wrote:Well, to be honest: it would be a fair assumption that they were. The car had to be packed anyway after the test. So even if Mercedes dis not got any view on the data, they would have been around.