FIA promises F1 testing clampdown after Mercedes/Pirelli verdict

With Mercedes and Pirelli both being reprimanded for breaking the rules by running a 2013 car during the post-Spanish Grand Prix test, the FIA says it needs to change the way that testing is run.

In a statement issued on Friday in the wake of the International Tribunal punishing Pirelli and Mercedes, the governing body said: "The FIA wishes that lessons are learnt from this case and from the decision handed down.

"To this end, the FIA will make sure, in association with all F1 teams, that its control of the testings is strengthened."

The Mercedes case revolved around permission that the team got from F1 race director Charlie Whiting to run a 2013 car - as long as it was for a Pirelli test and provided as all other teams were invited.

The International Tribunal debated at length whether or not such 'qualified' permission was enough, and admitted that there were also questions about teams using two-year-old cars like Ferrari had done for two Pirelli tests.

All the parties involved in the Mercedes/Pirelli case still have the right to take the matter to the FIA's International Court of Appeal if they are unhappy with the decision.