Vettel blasts Mercedes and Pirelli over 'critical issue' of controversial tyre test

Sebastian Vettel has blasted Mercedes and Pirelli as the row over their controversial tyre test threatened to overshadow this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.

Mercedes have been called before an FIA international tribunal to explain why they ran this year’s car in a Pirelli-organised, behind-closed-doors run-out in Barcelona in the wake of last month’s Spanish Grand Prix. 

And Vettel insisted Mercedes must have gained an unfair advantage despite Pirelli claiming the majority of the running was on compounds planned for next year.

‘It’s a critical issue,’ said Vettel. ‘Each test kilometre is an advantage, and Mercedes had the chance to test tyres that we will probably race at Silverstone.’

An FIA statement confirmed Ferrari would not be subject to any further action while both Mercedes and Pirelli will face a tribunal over the matter.

The statement read: 'The Monaco Grand Prix Stewards raised in their report to the FIA an issue concerning a tyre testing session carried out by Pirelli with the participation of Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 in Barcelona on May 15-17, 2013.

'The stewards' report follows the protests made by Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari Team on the occasion of the Monaco Grand Prix against Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 concerning its participation in the Barcelona tests.

'The FIA requested clarifications from Pirelli and Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 in this respect.

'The FIA also asked questions to Scuderia Ferrari Team, which took part in a tyre testing with Pirelli in Barcelona on April 23-24, 2013.

'The FIA requested all the other F1 Teams to provide the FIA with information they may have regarding any tests carried out by Pirelli during the 2013 season.

'In the light of all the replies received and in view of the information gathered during this inquiry, the President of the FIA, acting as the FIA prosecuting body, has decided:



'To close the case as regard to Scuderia Ferrari Team considering that its participation in a tyre testing organized by Pirelli in Barcelona on April 23-24, 2013 using for this purpose a 2011 car is not deemed to contravene the applicable FIA rules.

'To bring the case concerning the tyre testing session carried out by Pirelli and Team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 in Barcelona on May 15-17, 2013 before the FIA International Tribunal because it results from the inquiry that the conditions of this testing may constitute a breach of the applicable FIA rules.

'The FIA International Tribunal is called upon to make a decision in compliance with the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.'