Semileptonic $B \to D^*$ decays from light to $\tau$ leptons: the extraction of the form factor $F_2$ from data

We extend the Standard Model (SM) analysis of Ref. [1], which was limited to light leptons in the final state, to the semileptonic $B \to D^* \tau \nu_\tau$ decay. By using quantities that can be analised without the knowledge of $\vert V_{cb}\vert$, we derive important information about the helicity amplitudes and the hadronic form factors that can be compared with the predictions of lattice QCD calculations. In particular, there is a difficulty in reproducing simultaneously the experimental values of $R(D^*)$ and of other quantities relevant for the semitauonic decays within the SM. As a byproduct of our analysis, we also present a determination of $\vert V_{cb}\vert$ from the total decay rate.