Mercedes to be investigated by FIA over tyre protests

Mercedes face an investigation by Formula 1’s governing body the FIA after being accused of taking part in an illegal tyre test.

Red Bull and Ferrari lodged an official protest at the Monaco Grand Prix after discovering tyre supplier Pirelli used Mercedes to do a three-day test.

In-season testing in F1 is forbidden. Pirelli says it has a contract with the FIA allowing limited testing.

The Monaco GP stewards are to prepare a report for the FIA.

What surprised me about all this is how nobody, including the FIA, seemed to know anything about this three day tyre test, which is strange when you consider the FIA appointed Pirelli to provide the tyres for this season, and according to Mercedes approved the test.  

Everybody is in agreement, teams, drivers, commentators and fans that the tyres needed to be altered because they were degrading too quickly, after just five laps in some cases, and it was becoming a battle of the quickest mechanics not the quickest driver.

Yet the way the whole thing has been handled leaves a lot to be desired, Pirelli say that the rules allow them to ask teams to do up to a 1,000km of testing, which is roughly the equivalent of four Monaco Grand Prix's,  but if that’s the case why were they so clandestine about it.

As for Mercedes testing for 1,000km on the new tyres with their 2013 car, Red Bull and Ferrari claim the rules state the car used in a test of this nature must be at least two years old, with Rosberg and Hamilton in attendance gives them a clear advantage over everyone else.

Interested to see how the FIA rules on this one, whatever their ruling someone will be left with egg on their face.  

One last thing, while the Monaco Grand Prix is held at one of the most exciting tracks, and is situated in one of the most exciting locations; it is by far and away the dullest race of the year, bring on Canada.