Possible decision made this weekend on F1 testing future

[Duke]

F1 Tests in 2012

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94002

Formula 1 teams are to meet on race morning at the Belgian Grand Prix to try and finalise plans for the return of in-season testing in 2012.

Sources have revealed that teams have already agreed the timetable for the pre-season tests, with the first run of 2012 set to take place at Jerez on February 7, followed by tests at Barcelona a fortnight later and another test there the following week.

The main issue now is sorting out the location of timing of the in-season test, with teams preferring to slot it in before the start of the European phase of the 2012 season, which is currently the Spanish Grand Prix on May 13.

Please please Silverstone

 

[Reaper 392]

more likely to be Catalunya. its their traditional testing ground, has most things in it and means they will have all the kit in the right place for the race next weekend

 

[DBT85]

I don't quite see why they don't just stay at a venue for an extra day and test on the Monday. So they could maybe do 3 tests during the season, the team are all there already, the kit is there already, the venue is set up already, and fans are already in the area, probably on holiday so might stay for the Monday too.

 

[Flibster]

I'd rather see a track that is not used in season to be used for testing.

Paul Ricard would be the obvious choice - excellent condition track with many different configurations available.

 

[Duke]

I'd rather see a track that is not used in season to be used for testing.

Paul Ricard would be the obvious choice - excellent condition track with many different configurations available.

Yep sounds good if you can still go there and view the action

 

[GravyMonster]

I'd rather see a track that is not used in season to be used for testing.

Completely agree.

Paul Ricard. Estoril. Brno. Imola. Lots of tracks (which arguably should be on the calendar) available to use.

 

[Flibster]

Yep sounds good if you can still go there and view the action

Paul Ricard has no grandstands. It's a pure test track now. Shame that, I always enjoyed the track.

 

[DBT85]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94068

Formula 1 testing will return to Mugello next year after teams agreed for their in-season run to take place at the Italian track, AUTOSPORT can reveal.

 

[Duke]

Testing dates now confirmed -

Pre-season tests:

February 7-9 - Jerez
February 21-24 - Barcelona
March 1-4 - Barcelona

In-season test:

May 1-3? - Mugello

 

[TaKeN]

Yes! \o/

Gives us something to drool over a little earlier since we all tend to suffer the low period in our lifes between the end and start of a new season

 

[Glaucus]

I make that just 72 days with no f1

 

[TaKeN]

How long have we had to wait in the past couple of years Acid?

 

[Glaucus]

It seems about the same. I thought we finished before November.

Seems have to go back to 2007 for the shorter seasons.

 

[Skeeter]

I know its historically been used and convenient for a lot of the teams, but I wish they didn't go to Barcelona. It ruins the race, and it robs 2 other tracks from the potential to have some F1 action. I'm a firm believer that F1 tests should be at tracks that don't host GPs.

But the single in season test at a non F1 venue is a welcome return.

 

[FrankJH]

Isnt that Ferrari's own track......... isnt that a little bit........suspect!!!

(after the absolute millions of miles ONLY 1 team have run on it so far)

 

[JRS]

Isnt that Ferrari's own track......... isnt that a little bit........suspect!!!

(after the absolute millions of miles ONLY 1 team have run on it so far)

How is it suspect?

It is understood that Mugello became the preferred option because as well as providing good quality facilities and a venue that is valuable for aerodynamic performance, Ferrari (which owns the circuit) was willing to help host the test - so it would not become too expensive for the teams.

Damn that evil Ferrari! Damn them to hell!

 

[Duke]

Isnt that Ferrari's own track......... isnt that a little bit........suspect!!!

(after the absolute millions of miles ONLY 1 team have run on it so far)

Lots of hidden cameras

 

[Skeeter]

Isnt that Ferrari's own track......... isnt that a little bit........suspect!!!

Yeah, Ferrari must be getting a massive advantage having additional miles under their belt on a track that is used every year for a race...

Oh no, wait.



Wasn't there a guy recently who claimed the Austrian GP should not come back using the Red Bull Ring (A1 Ring) because it would be unfair for Red Bull to race on a track they owned

 

[FrankJH]

Yeah, Ferrari must be getting a massive advantage having additional miles under their belt on a track that is used every year for a race...:

I never suggested it was ever used for a race so stop being so sarcastic

If you dont realise how important data comparison is to F1 then fair enough - but imo this would be a GIGANTIC plus to Ferrari

and No I dont think any f1 race should be run on a team owned track - I dont see anything wrong with saying that. I wasnt a fan of F1 using Honda owned tracks when they were in f1 either.

F1 should be seen to be above any bias (even if the FIA make it very difficult sometimes, like today ignoring MS's double changes of direction , ok not the FIA but anyone else would have been punished there and then)

 

[Kenai]

It's hardly a massive stretch to think that Ferrari may gain some sort of testing advantage from tests being run on a track that they have years of data for and know like the back of their hand. There is every possibility the data they collect would be more useful to them compared to the other teams.