Tyre Test Gate aka Pirelli Gate

Dear friends, with the Canadian GP on the horizon it just occurred to me that we hadn't discussed the tyre test gate issue at all. Ferrari and RedBull reported Mercedes for having a supposed secret test at Barcelona and would like to see them punished as they believe in season testing is banned. Pirelli have countered that by saying the test wasn’t illegal and they can invite anyone to test tyres. They’ve also said that Mercedes weren’t advised as to the specs of tyres they were testing so they could get no advantage.

Furthermore the tyres are for 2014 so they do not believe an unfair advantage has been gained by the silver arrows. It has now come to light that Ferrari themselves had a test as well (a secret one) and the FIA is also investigating them. Their excuse however is that they used their 2011 car, none of their drivers and a test outfit from Germany or so.

It is amusing to see the politics in F1 but I’m not sure Ferrari or RedBull have acted in good faith here considering both teams have a history of not playing by the rules.

For example, when in season testing was banned, Ferrari had ‘media days’ where they tested their cars and were not punished and have also had a shot at the Pirelli tyres. You can argue that the car they used was the 2011 car but the information is still of value as their 2011 charger had issues heating up the tyres. I find their hypocrisy amusing but it pales in comparison to the hypocrisy of the fizzy drinks company who have had flexi wings and floors, illegal engine maps, holes in the floor, illegal diffusers, going over budgets, etc. They have never been punished for their antics and them moaning now is just comical.

Mercedes utilised an opportunity given to them and in my humble opinion should not be punished as the rule is unclear (that’s the reason why RedBull escape with their illegalities). Also Ross Brawn is no fool and wouldn’t have done anything to jeopardise their championship challenge (do not believe they can win either championship but can do well in the constructors).

I for one would like to see the smirk removed from Horners face if no punishment is given.

So dear friends, what are your thoughts on Tyre Test Gate aka Pirelli Gate?