However, senior figures at Pirelli are understood to be furious after they
were hauled before the International Tribunal. The Italian manufacturer’s
lawyer, Dominique Dumas, was adamant on Thursday that there were no legal
grounds for them being in Paris at all given the terms of their contract
with the governing body.
Pirelli, who are growing increasingly weary of the infighting in Formula
One and the restrictions placed upon them with regard to testing,
are also frustrated by the fact that, despite having signed long-term deals
with the commercial rights holder and most of the teams, they still do not
have a contract in place with the FIA to supply tyres next year.
There are constant rumours that Michelin may be waiting in the wings, with FIA
president Jean Todt having sided with the French manufacturer three years
ago when Pirelli were given the contract.
No official tender to supply tyres next year has been put out and Pirelli are
worried that the clock is ticking down. Pirelli’s director of motorsport,
Paul Hembery, declined to comment but Telegraph Sport understands
that if Todt looks elsewhere or uses the reprimand in any way to undermine
Pirelli, the Italian manufacturer is ready to go to the civil courts.
Meanwhile, Ferrari
hit out last night at the leniency of the verdict against Mercedes. Via its
anonymous ‘Horse Whisperer’ column, the Italian team described it as
“perplexing to say the least to see that the guilty party can get away
virtually scot free for having derived ‘an unfair sporting advantage’.”
The writer added: “Don’t tell me that testing for three days on your own at
the Catalunya circuit is the same as doing so with nine other teams at
Silverstone with a host of young hopefuls at the wheel.”