Nico Rosberg says Mercedes did not gain anything from private test – Formula 1 news
Nico Rosberg has claimed that Mercedes have gained nothing out of the test conducted with tyre manufacturers Pirelli.
The private session was held in Barcelona right after the fifth race of the season was concluded.
As per the rules of the FIA, no team can conduct such a test with their latest challengers. However, Mercedes have come under the scanner after going against the laws dictated by the sport’s governing body.
All of the top teams had lodged a protest against the German squad, especially after their victory in Monaco. As a result, the FIA have decided to take action against both the accused parties involved in the controversy.
However, Rosberg is not happy with the situation and claimed, “It was a full on Pirelli test - they dictate what we do. We have no say whatsoever - they say you are doing that, that, that and that and the engineers that they have run our programme. So it
is not for us to learn anything or to decide on anything that we do.”
The 27-year-old driver would have been disappointed after his victory in Monte Carlo was overshadowed by the Barcelona test controversy. He doesn’t seem to be much affected though, as he is looking forward to the upcoming races.
Asked whether he has lost focus, Rosberg said, “Not at all, the team is handling it and I am fully focussed on what I am doing, it has had no impact on me. I have no noticed anything different in the preparations. I know the team are working closely with
the FIA to get through it quickly.”
Although Mercedes have proved to be extremely quick, yet they have been unable to win races with consistency. The main reason for that has been tyre degradation, which has affected quite a few other teams too.
However, rival teams such as Red Bull, Ferrari and Lotus believe that the Barcelona test could turn the tables for the Brackley based squad.
All of the teams are currently present in Canada, where the track characteristics are entirely different to Monaco. Therefore, the real picture will be revealed whether Mercedes have gained anything out of their private test with Pirelli.
Tags: