FIA confirms Ferrari tip-off

In its first official statement since the controversy began over the compliance of the regulations of Michelin's tyres the FIA has moved to clarify its position on the matter.

"As Ferrari have confirmed," an FIA spokesman said, "it was they who pointed out to the FIA Technical Delegate [Charlie Whiting] that tyres which had a tread width of 270mm when new, appeared to be using a greater tread width when in use.

"Having checked this information, [Charlie] Whiting warned the relevant tyre company informally immediately after the race in Hungary. On his return to the office three days later he wrote to inform all the teams.

"The rules are not concerned with parts of the tyre which make occasional contact with the track or kerbs, but parts which are in regular or systematic contact with the track and thus constitute tread."

The FIA has also suggested that the specific manner in which the tyres were used may have led to their tread width being greater than 270mm at the end of their usage.

"There is reason to believe that the tyres in question may not be identical to those in use at the start of the season. There may also have been changes to car set-up, ie changes to the way the tyres were being used.

"The tyres in question either comply with the regulation or they do not. If they are used in Monza in combination with a car set-up which gives more than 270mm tread width, the stewards and, ultimately, the FIA Court of Appeal will have to decide if the rules have been broken.

"As the FIA has previously stated, the subject was mentioned when FIA President Max Mosley and FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting visited Ferrari last week. It was not discussed because the matter was effectively 'sub judice', the relevant tyre company having been informed two days previously of the possible infringement."