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Merc tyre scandal goes to IAF

MONTREAL, Canada - The Mercedes Formula 1 team team has been ordered to face an investigation by the international tribunal of the International Motoring Federation into allegations that the team conducted illegal in-season testing with Pirelli tyres.

The tribunal has wide-ranging powers: if it finds Mercedes broke the IAF rules it can impose penalties ranging from a fine to exclusion from the World championship.

The announcement that the German team would face further investigations, following a report by the stewards at the Monaco GP came late on Wednesday evening.

FERRARI TEST LEGAL


Mercedes had been investigated by the stewards after protests lodged by Ferrari and Red Bull, each claiming that Mercedes took part in testing with Pirelli after the Spanish GP in May 2013.

An IAF statement said: "In light of all the replies received and in view of the information gathered during this inquiry the president of the IAF has decided:

"To close the Ferrari case considering that its participation in a tyre-test organised by Pirelli in Barcelona over April 23/24 2013 using a 2011 car is not deemed to have contravened the rules.

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

"The tribunal is called upon to make a decision in compliance with the IAF's judicial and disciplinary rules."

FERRARI IN PROTEST

The sport's governing body explained that it requested information from those involved and rival teams before coming to its conclusion.

It was ironic that Ferrari's own test with Pirelli, conducted at Barcelona in April with a 2011 car, was deemed not to breach the rules as it was one of the two teams leading the protest against Mercedes.

The announcement is not expected to have any effect on the team's preparations for this weekend's Canadian GP in Montreal.
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