- 27 May 13, 17:29#360404I remembered this yesterday, DD has already said it,
From my understanding, the FIA said the test was legal (and maybe said other things, but lets go on what we know), on the condition the other teams had the same opportunity, I suspect that was in relation to the current years car being tested. There are probably other conditions, for any tyre test by Perelli, like let the FIA know first (which is why that was included in the Stewards, compliant, they said the FIA wasn't informed).
In other words, the exception to in season testing, and this contract clause applies, but the stewards report, and referral to the General Council (world council?) clearly states they did not receive any evidence that other teams were given an equal opportunity, the other teams seem surprised too, again suggesting the condition wasn't adhered too. The FIA advice, clearly states, the test is only legal under that condition (as I mentioned earlier, there are probably many others, but this was the one raised because it was different due to using the current car).
I think only Redbull and Ferrari protested, because they are the only ones with the resources (lawyers, legal fees etc.) and the commitment to see it through (in the title fight, this makes a big difference to them).
What I am curious about, is how the teams found out on the race weekend at Monaco? I mean, they probably noticed testing, sure, but thought nothing off it (i.e. just the 2 year old car thing), maybe the FIA or steward's there raised the issue first, leading to the teams finding out.
I think, so if this clause by Perrelli doesn't stand up, Mercedes are implicated too, they were obviously involved too, so your suggestion that the Perrelli contract supersedes the Sporting Regulations, won't apply, (well it will, its just the Perelli contract may have been found to have been not adhered too).
If that really was the FIA's advice to Mercedes and Perelli, it seems pretty clear the other teams had to be informed.
So the analogy is, you ask the cop for permission to park here, he says ok, but only during weekends, you park in a weekday, you say "but he said I could park there", obviously this is just my current interpretation.