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Race drivers more relevant for Pirelli - Rosberg

ESPN Staff
June 6, 2013 « Ferrari recovery crucial in Canada - Massa | Perez not concerned about Raikkonen backlash »
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton both drove during the Pirelli tyre test © Sutton Images
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Nico Rosberg says he and Lewis Hamilton did the tyre test for Pirelli because it is more representative for the tyre manufacturer.

While Mercedes has been called in front of the FIA International Tribunal, the case against Ferrari has been dropped because it used a 2011 car with Pedro de la Rosa at the wheel to conduct a similar test. During the driver press conference in Montreal, Rosberg was asked why it was the race drivers who did the Mercedes test rather than its reserve driver Sam Bird, and Rosberg said it was due to the more accurate data he and Hamilton could provide for Pirelli.

"I don't know, that was what the team decided," Rosberg said. "I think also for Pirelli it's better if we're in the car because it's more representative. Sam doesn't drive much so for sure he wouldn't be able to go on our pace and bring the Pirelli's through the laps exactly as we would.

"We had the experience of the grand prix that weekend also, so definitely for Pirelli it's an advantage to have us in the car I would say."

When he was asked about allegations that he and Hamilton were wearing anonymous helmets during the test, Rosberg declined to comment.

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