Formula One team Mercedes had no advantage from controversial tyre tests against which other teams have lodged protests, according to the sport’s tyre suppliers Pirelli.
The italian company’s motorsport chief Paul Hembery told a conference call that Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton did not know what kind of tyres they were driving during the Barcelona tests between May 15 and 17 and that the compounds used were not for the current season.
“They had no idea what they were testing,” Hembery said, insisting that the only beneficiaries were Pirelli and Formula One in general.
The tests became public just before last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix which Rosberg won from pole.
World champions Red Bull and Ferrari have lodged protests against the tests with the ruling body FIA.
Hembery also reiterated that Pirelli had done nothing wrong and that extensive tests were needed to develop tyres for the 2014 season with its sweeping rule changes.
Pirelli are negotiating an extension of their contract as tyre supplier which expires after the current season.
In addition to the conference call, Pirelli also issued a statement in which it said that the choice of the 2013 Mercedes for the tests was not by their request but rather after talks between Mercedes and FIA.
Pirelli also said that it will give all teams new tyres to address the issue of delamination in the free practice for next weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
“At the Canada tests, the teams will have the opportunity to express their opinions and make observations.”