Mercedes reprimanded for covering Nico Rosberg's car during P1

Mercedes have received a reprimand after a team member covered up Nico Rosberg's car during Practice One at the British GP.

The infringement was spotted by Jo Bauer, the FIA's technical delegate, when the rear of Rosberg's Mercedes was put under cover by members of the team upon its return to their garage after it broke down with gearbox problems at the start of Practice One.

In a message sent to the stewards, Bauer asserted: 'As the car hasn't suffered any kind of mechanical damage this in my opinion is a breach of Article 27.4 of the Sporting Regulations'.

In a ruling delivered midway through Practice Two, the stewards levied a reprimand against the world champions.

The relevant clause states: 'During the entire Event, no screen, cover or other obstruction which in any way obscures any part of a car will be allowed at any time in the paddock, garages, pit lane or grid, unless it is clear any such covers are needed solely for mechanical reasons, which could, for example, include protecting against fire.'

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Ted Kravitz said: "There’s a rule that says that unless there’s evident damage to the car, no part of the car is actually allowed to be covered up. The rule’s there because it’s ridiculous putting covers on cars when fans are there to have a look at it.

“It’s a well-meaning rule but they are under investigation by the stewards. We don’t expect anything sporting in terms of a penalty, because it would be pretty silly for Nico Rosberg or anyone to get a sporting penalty."