Testgate verdict to be delivered after FIA accuse Mercedes and Pirelli of rules breach

The FIA have confirmed that a ruling on the legality of Mercedes and Pirelli's so-called 'secret' tyre test will be delivered later today after a specially-convened meeting of the International Tribunal heard both parties accused by the governing body of flouting the Sporting Regulations.

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 fol-lowing the Bahrain 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. After a seven-hour long hearing Brawn gave a brief statement to awaiting reporters outside the FIA's headquarters. "I'm pleased that Mercedes were able to demonstrate that we acted in good faith and that we gained no sporting advantage," the team boss said. "I'd like to thank the Tribunal and its president for a very fair hearing and we're expecting a result tomorrow." Pirelli's Paul Hembery, who didn't take the stand during the tyre manufacturer's period of submissions, said on his departure from the hearing: "It was a good hearing, we have always acted in good faith and we will have the result tomorrow." A guilty verdict against either party could have serious and far-reaching repercussions for the sport. In the closing part of their own submissions, Mercedes' lawyer suggested that should the independent judging panel rule against his client then the penalty imposed should be relatively minor, ranging from a reprimand to exclusion from next month's young driver test at Silverstone. 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.