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Mercedes and the FIA at loggerheads on opening morning of testgate hearing

'Governing body only held informal communications prior to test'

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Mercedes have insisted that Pirelli were solely responsible for the so-called 'secret test' after being accused by the FIA of flouting F1's Sporting Regulations by running their 2013 car without the permission of the governing body.

In an unexpected twist, Mercedes also strived to turn the tables on Ferrari by accusing the Scuderia of breaching the rules surrounding in-season testing when they ran their 2011 car following the Bahrian GP. The team did, however, offer an apology for instructing their two race drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, to wear unmarked helmets during the three-day event in order to ward off attention from any prying eyes. Earlier, as the case for the prosecution was set out, it was announced: - Although 'informal communications' took place between the FIA and Mercedes, the governing body did not receive an 'outlining' of when the test would happen or under what terms. - Mercedes requested permission to stage the test in a telephone call with Charlie Whiting, the FIA race director. - Upon receiving the request, Whiting took advice from the FIA's legal department who informed him the test would only be permissible if all the other teams were copied into the request and were provided with an equal opportunity to take part. - The FIA have also maintained that although Pirelli's commercial agreement with the governing body permits up to 1000km of testing with any of the teams, their contract also stipulates they are bound to the FIA's own Sporting Regulations as well. With Pirelli's testimony already delayed until the afternoon, a ruling on the saga is only expected to be published on Friday. A guilty verdict against either party could have massive and far-reaching repercussions for the sport. Pirelli remain F1's sole tyre supplier but are yet to sign a contract extension beyond his season while Mercedes' own future in the sport may be plunged into doubt if any punishment was considered too severe. Follow the latest twitter updates from Paris as the Tribunal begins

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