’Rules allow’ test with old car - Ferrari

Ferrari has hit back at claims it is also being investigated by the FIA for illegally testing with Pirelli.

While earlier it was believed only Mercedes was under the spotlight for its Barcelona running with its 2013 car and race drivers, the FIA is also looking into Ferrari’s recent Barcelona test.

But Ferrari spokesman Renato Bisignani told Brazil’s O Estado de S.Paulo: "There is nothing wrong with using a two year old car — the rules allow it."

Indeed, it is believed that the 2011 Ferrari used for the Pirelli test was actually owned by a private owner, and operated by the Corse Clienti department, not the race or test team.

However, test driver Pedro de la Rosa was at the wheel.

"We have never tested with this year’s car," a Ferrari spokesman is separately quoted by Italy’s Autosprint.

Mercedes’ Toto Wolff said he will not comment further on the test controversy for now.

"We have until this week to answer a series of questions," he is quoted by Speed Week, referring to the FIA’s investigation.