Pirelli, Mercedes to answer 'Tire-gate' charges

Paris: Mercedes and Pirelli on Thursday must answer charges that they breached Formula One rules by testing tires together. The governing body of motorsport, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), convened the hearing of its international tribunal.

The disciplinary body meets in Paris on Thursday morning and has summoned Mercedes and Pirelli to appear. A key question is whether Mercedes gained a competitive advantage from testing tires with Pirelli in Barcelona from May 15-17.

An FIA inquiry determined "the conditions of this testing may constitute a breach of the applicable FIA rules." Red Bull and Ferrari protested about the test. The FIA asked its tribunal to adjudicate.