Exclusive: FIA Satisfied by Test Results of Monza Tyres

Tyres taken for lab tests during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza last month have been found in conformity with the rules, Atlas F1 has learned.

Front and rear tyres were taken in Monza from both Michelin and Bridgestone runners and were sent to a lab in England, an FIA spokesperson told Atlas F1. These tests, however - and contrary to speculation in the media - were not aimed at establishing the results of the Italian Grand Prix, but rather establish a method for scrutineering of compounds next year.

"We took samples from both types of tyres and sent them to a British lab," the spokesperson explained. "We wanted to come up with a method of checking tyre compound next year, to establish a protocol for next season. The tyres have been tested in several ways and the results have been completely conclusive. We are satisfied by the results."

Earlier this season, claims have been made that Bridgestone runners were using a different compound for their front and rear tyres, running a softer compound on the rear, which provides the car with more grip. Such a solution, while advantageous, is explicitly illegal under the FIA regulations.

Following inspection at the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA stated that "we have had no concerns about tyre suppliers providing different compounds for the front and rear, although this is something which one of the tyre suppliers thinks the other may be doing.

"Test procedures for establishing what would usually be very small differences between compounds are exceedingly complex. However, having done extensive research we are satisfied that we have the right procedure."

However, to ensure such allegations do not arise again, the FIA wanted to establish a better on-site chemical test of tyre compounds for next season. To that end, tyres were taken from both manufacturers at the Italian Grand Prix and were sent to an independent lab in England, where various tests were run to establish the best method of obtaining an accurate result - a method which would then be adopted by the FIA in the 2004 season.

But the tyres were not those used during the race in Monza, and the FIA spokesperson emphasized that these lab tests had no bearing on the result of the Italian Grand Prix.

"These tests bear no consequences on the results of the Italian Grand Prix, which are official anyway," the spokesperson said. "This was only done to establish the method of scrutineering for next year."