Possible decision made this weekend on F1 testing future

Duke · 27 Aug 2011 at 11:12

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

Duke · 27 Aug 2011 at 15:18

Flibster said:
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

Duke · 11 Sep 2011 at 19:08

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

Duke · 11 Sep 2011 at 22:19

FrankJH said:
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

Duke · 12 Sep 2011 at 10:41

NathanE said:
Surely it would be cheaper for teams to travel to Silverstone. Than to some obscure track in the middle of nowhere in Italy?

How exactly is this saving them money?

I think they are hosting it for free? No idea the cost of booking Silverstone for 4 days compared to haulage to Italy.

Duke · 14 Sep 2011 at 13:16

It was getting boring though

Going to the Bacalona testing is tempting.

Duke · 14 Sep 2011 at 13:47

It is cheap as well - £50 return flight from my local airport (Bristol) and don't think accommodation is going to be that? Anyone know how much entry is? It went from free to £10 to £20 IIRC at Silverstone in the final years of testing there in June.