DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Pirelli has dismissed allegations that it breached rules by conducting in-season tire testing with Mercedes, saying it acted fairly and professionally and the test offered no benefit to the German team.
The company, criticized because its tires were degrading too quickly this season, faces tough questions about the test that took place following the Spanish Grand Prix. Red Bull and Ferrari launched protests regarding the test after Sunday's Monaco GP, which was won by Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg.
Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery says the tires tested were for the 2014 season, so offered no competitive advantage to Mercedes. Hembery says several teams were offered a chance to test, but Mercedes was the first to take up the offer.
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