Saturday October 23rd, 1999

Mercedes released today the following statement:

"With great surprise, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport takes note of the FIA Court of Appeal's verdict. We are disappointed because this verdict has created a basis on which other precedents may occur and the credibility of the top category in motorsport can be doubted by critics.

"This carries a lot more weight than the fact that this verdict will allow a thrilling World Championship finale in Suzuka, in which two drivers still have the chance to clinch the title on their own accord. It will then have to be decided whether the top category in motorsport is organised on the basis of unambiguous rules and regulations which are accepted without reservations by all teams which enter cars in the Formula One World Championship.

"In the case on hand, we felt, along with many motorsport experts, that there was no room for interpretation. The interpretation of the regulations in this way will therefore inevitably raise numerous questions among the international media, the interested public throughout the world and Formula One critics.

"Irrespective of today's decision, our team will continue to prepare for the season's last race in Suzuka, Japan, and will, in conformity with the existing sporting rules, do everything in its power to win the race, thereby proving that it is possible to win the World Championship while observing existing rules and regulations."