Testing re-introduction

[Dan Fielden]

Frank Williams has recently said he would support the above as he and most teams do need some in season testing especially with the amount of rule changes going on in modern F1, and the upcoming engine changes.

This has been intoduced to reduce costs to the teams and also for logistical reasons. But if they stayed at the venue for a day or two after the event (much like the Abu Dhabi YD test) this could be a way to test new drivers or parts at the tracks. (test drivers are happy, young driver programmes become more effective, rookies can learn outside of the public glare, and teams can test new parts)

I appreciate you couldn't do this at places like Albert Park, Monaco, Valencia, Singapore or during a back to back part of the calendar but remember it would be limited testing at maybe 4 or 5 of the 20 races.

Your thoughts??

[calloforion]

I would welcome in season testing to return.

Looking at the 2012 calendar I would propose the following 2 day tests where the final day of the test must be used for young driver testing.

Weekend of 5th/6th May - Jerez/Portimao/Valencia - Three week gap between India/Spanish GP, week before Spanish GP.

Weekend of 23rd/24th June - Paul Ricard/Barcelona/Magny Cours - Three week gap between Canadian/European GP, week before European GP.

Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th July - Silverstone - Two days following British GP

Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st July - Hungaroring - Two days following Hungarian GP

Weekend of August 25th/26th - Hockenheim/Nurbergring - Five week gap between Hungarian/Belgian GP, week before Spa.

Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th September - Monza - Two days following Italian GP

Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th November - Sakhir - Two days following Bahrain GP

[wnut]

The sooner testing returns the better.
Trying to bring on drivers with little or no F1 experience is well nigh impossible under the current regime!

[Mekola]

I'm in with the return or (albeit limited) in-season testing.

[Marbot]

Might get a few days in Barcelona, before the 'European' season starts. But that will be that. No chance of going back to what track testing used to be.

[stripedcat]

Some testing should be allowed, but no going back to the days of virtually unlimited testing. That was just out of control, plus so expensive for the results it produced.

Getting new drivers the testing experience I can see the logic in that. I bet Schumi will be happy, he loves testing, plus he was very good at it.

[Marbot]

It looks like even some of the more cash limited teams might be interested in some limited form of testing in the future, but it must be cost effective.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93824

[chunterer]

But the teams have done prefectly well without it????

That's why they have all these hugely expensive simulation systems instead of the even more hugely expensive testing...

The only way iy should be permitted is to give young drivers a go before they race so they have at least some reasonable chance of being on the pace before their debut races.

[JamesH]

Originally Posted by chunterer

But the teams have done prefectly well without it????

Tell that to Virgin, Lotus and HRT.

Originally Posted by chunterer

That's why they have all these hugely expensive simulation systems instead of the even more hugely expensive testing...

That don't actually work very well yet? And you need testing in order to improve the simulation....

Originally Posted by chunterer

The only way iy should be permitted is to give young drivers a go before they race so they have at least some reasonable chance of being on the pace before their debut races.

Or to, you know, test the cars to improve them?

There has to be a happy medium - I'd just go for more test days, before or after GP's so teams are already on site.

[Carsandmotorracing]

I'm all for it personally.

[chillibowl]

i suppose a better balance could be good...

but if the teams can spend more money, Ferrari will ruin it for everyone.

its what they do!

[Marbot]

It's true that if unlimited testing was brought back in, you might find it difficult to book a track day, any time soon, at your local circuit.

I can only see one or two test sessions being sanctioned throughout the season. And those will have to include driver training. In fact, it may only be that 'rookies' can test the cars.