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LONDON, England - Ferrari backed Formula 1's governing body for their handling of a tyre testing controversy involving rivals Mercedes.
The International Automobile Federation (IAF) has summoned Mercedes and tyre supplier Pirelli to its international tribunal in Paris on June 20 2013 on charges of breaking the rules.
'F1 PROFESSIONALISM'
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said: "We have faith in the FIA. I do not wish to comment but I note with satisfaction that the federation is following this incident well.
"Let's hope F1 can maintain its professionalism and we have faith that those who attempt to circumvent the regulations are pursued and prosecuted, or rather more prosecuted than pursued."
The IAF is now run by Jean Todt, the former Ferrari principal who presided over the team's most successful years with Michael Schumacher winning five championships in a row between 2000 and 2004.
The Mercedes team principal is Ross Brawn, Todt's former right-hand man as Ferrari technical director up to the end of 2006.
Ferrari, who made an official protest about Mercedes using a 2013 car at the “secret” Barcelona test, also tested with Pirelli in April but with a 2011 car.
The FIA also quizzed Ferrari about that test but decided to take the matter no further because it was deemed to have broken no rules.
Champions Red Bull, who also protested, has accused Mercedes of gaining an important advantage from the 1 000km test. Mercedes said the test was controlled by Pirelli who has said the team had no knowledge of what was being tested.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
The International Automobile Federation (IAF) has summoned Mercedes and tyre supplier Pirelli to its international tribunal in Paris on June 20 2013 on charges of breaking the rules.
'F1 PROFESSIONALISM'
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said: "We have faith in the FIA. I do not wish to comment but I note with satisfaction that the federation is following this incident well.
"Let's hope F1 can maintain its professionalism and we have faith that those who attempt to circumvent the regulations are pursued and prosecuted, or rather more prosecuted than pursued."
The IAF is now run by Jean Todt, the former Ferrari principal who presided over the team's most successful years with Michael Schumacher winning five championships in a row between 2000 and 2004.
The Mercedes team principal is Ross Brawn, Todt's former right-hand man as Ferrari technical director up to the end of 2006.
Ferrari, who made an official protest about Mercedes using a 2013 car at the “secret” Barcelona test, also tested with Pirelli in April but with a 2011 car.
The FIA also quizzed Ferrari about that test but decided to take the matter no further because it was deemed to have broken no rules.
Champions Red Bull, who also protested, has accused Mercedes of gaining an important advantage from the 1 000km test. Mercedes said the test was controlled by Pirelli who has said the team had no knowledge of what was being tested.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 F1 season – fresh reports every day.