With in-season testing not being allowed, the Brackley-based outfit infringed F1's testing rules by covering 1000km in a three-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya following the Grand Prix in Barcelona. However, the team insists the test was legal as the sports' official tyre supplier Pirelli is allowed to conduct a test with one of the teams if it deems it necessary.
According to sources, Mercedes tested the new tyres Pirelli wants to present at the Canadian Grand Prix next month as well as development designs for 2014. Rivals are claiming that the test will give Mercedes a technical advantage, benefiting from extra running on tyres.
The team has achieved four pole positions so far in 2013, but were not able to convert pole to a win due to the high level of tyre degradation on race days. In Monaco, Nico Rosberg will start from pole position, with Lewis Hamilton locking out a Mercedes front row for the second time this season.
Lewis' car this morning! #f1 #Monaco twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/…
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 26, 2013
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