JUNE 24, 2013

Red Bull denies plot to mimic Mercedes test

Red Bull on Monday was quick to officially deny reports it is considering breaking the rules as a counter-punch to the 'test-gate' scandal verdict.

Red Bull on Monday was quick to officially deny reports it is considering breaking the rules as a counter-punch to the 'test-gate' scandal verdict.

According to The Times, the world champion team is reportedly so furious about Mercedes' lenient penalties that it is considering boycotting next month's young drivers test at Silverstone.

In its place, Red Bull - and possibly also Ferrari - would reportedly stage their own private, three-day test, in a directly confrontational move against the FIA, who might be hard pressed to issue penalties beyond the kind of benign 'reprimand' dealt to Mercedes.

But Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko told Sport Bild on Monday: "Of course we wouldn't break the rules."

However, Marko made clear Red Bull's view that banning Mercedes from the Silverstone test next month is hardly a proportional punishment.

"You can't really try anything in the young drivers test," he said.

"The drivers at the wheel are just learning about formula one, while Mercedes had three days with their regular drivers."

(GMM)