Mercedes accept decision, will not appeal

The Mercedes Formula One Team has released a statement in which it acknowledges and accepts the Decision of the FIA International Tribunal published today. This means it accepts the ban from the young driver test and the reprimand handed for the tyre test.

"The Decision of the International Tribunal confirmed that the team acted in good faith regarding the Pirelli Tests, never intended to obtain any unfair sporting advantage and had no reason to believe that approval for the Pirelli Tests had not been given.

"Mercedes accepts the proportionate penalties of a reprimand and suspension from the forthcoming Young Driver Test that have been decided upon by the Tribunal. Mercedes would like to once again restate its firm belief in proper due process and commend the FIA for the principle of an independent disciplinary body. The team would furthermore like to thank the International Tribunal and its President for the fair hearing it received yesterday."

As the team accepts the decision, it also does not intend to appeal it. There is also the intention to work jointly with the FIA and its fellow teams to "establish a more rigorous procedure for testing in the future, particularly to support the appointed tyre supplier."

"We now wish to bring this matter to a close and focus on the forthcoming British and German Grands Prix, both of which are important home races for the team."