Teams ask for 3 in season test sessions in 2009

[Conceptual]

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 3011.shtml

The new agreement to ban in-season testing this year could be modified before it takes effect next month.

GrandPrix.com, headed by the British reporter Joe Saward, claims that the looming ban was discussed by team management at the recent Portimao test.

The in-season ban, designed to cut costs and staff numbers, has been controversial among some teams, given the simultaneous introduction in 2009 of KERS technology, which has proved troublesome in the development phase.

It is therefore proposed that three official tests be excluded from the 2009 ban, which is currently scheduled to take effect shortly before the Australian Grand Prix through to November's season ending race in Abu Dhabi.



"It's not in everybody's interest to see only five or six cars finish races, so we're trying to get an agreement on a change of the rules for 2009," a top team member is quoted as saying.

Modifying the ban, agreed in collaboration between the teams' FOTA alliance and the governing FIA, would require an unanimous vote.

Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

That didn't take long... But the point is valid. With the introduction of the new regs, do we want to see only 6 cars finish a race? I'm sure the sponsors wouldn't be happy...

[Miguel]

I think that the only one happy with a 6 car finish would have been Super Aguri and/or Honda. I personally think that the changes are too abrupt this season to ban in-season testing, and I find that allowing, I don't know, 3-4 days or even two weeks of joint testing before the summer break would be good.

[timbo]

I don't know, 3-4 days or even two weeks of joint testing before the summer break would be good.

Highlighed that because I also had a feeling that official joint testing session on some track like Le Castellet or Barcelona would be a good thing. Teams would share expences and fans would have another bone to chew...

[Scotracer]

What about a Test before the European Season starts at Catalunya, one before the summer season at Silverstone and then one at Spa or Monza before the rest?

[Conceptual]

What about a Test before the European Season starts at Catalunya, one before the summer season at Silverstone and then one at Spa or Monza before the rest?

Sounds good!

[WhiteBlue]

It is not a good idea. It has never been a problem for half the field to fail in the first races. It provides entertainment by itself. If they need more track time for testing they should extend the friday hours.

[xpensive]

Besides, in a few years Max and Bernie has changed all the European venues for different Asian dictatorships.

[DaveKillens]

It's not in everybody's interest to see only five or six cars finish races
Sheer arrogant balderdash. I recall the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix, which had one of the most exciting finishes ever. Period. Panis won, and only four cars finished. Such attrition may not make the sponsors and teams happy, but it sure is fun for the fans.

At the end of last season, everyone was on an equal footing, all facing the same rule changes and deadlines. No one was making serious noises back then to extend testing. But now, with some teams obviously struggling to get their packages together, some want more testing. The teams that are seriously campaigning for more testing are the teams that are behind.
I am against allowing more testing time, because that negates hard work and innovation, and allows sheer money and brute force to prevail.

[ISLAMATRON]

It would take a unanimous FOTA vote to change it so if the teams all agree to it what is the problem?

[Henning]

DaveKillens, that was a one-off. What about the same 12 cars NOT finishing every race because of reliability issues. That would be a very dull season.

[DaveKillens]

DaveKillens, that was a one-off. What about the same 12 cars NOT finishing every race because of reliability issues. That would be a very dull season.

Agreed, it was a freak result. But my point is that what may not be good for the teams could be good for the fans. Too many times I have witnessed the arrogance of certain teams who believe that whatever is good for them is thus good for the fans. And I will always reject such arrogance.
But balancing reliability versus performance has always been one major factor in racing. And although regrettable, having a car expire in a race is part of the competitive process.

[nae]

let them test all day on fridays
but not with the race drivers

that should solve the problem and not
allow an advantage

[CMSMJ1]

let them test all day on fridays
but not with the race drivers

that should solve the problem and not
allow an advantage

Agree entirely.

If they want to test then let them do it on Fridays to the added benefit of any spectators, the circuit (who will sell more firday seats) and also to the teams who have the cars there and can set up for the race.

I would say that 4x90 minute sesion on a friday for offical testing would do the teams the world of good and stop them shipping everything to bahrain, portugal etc.

As an aside - does anyone remember when the "nominated home circuit" rule was dropped or changed? I recall all UK teams used ot have to choose Silverstone as a venue for testing and the Italians used Imola a lot too...

[Conceptual]

I think the 4x 90 minute sessions on Friday would be perfect to be honest. Even if the race drivers can only participate in one session each, that would allow both drivers a 90 minute shakedown/setup session, and 2 90 minute sessions for the test driver to fine tune to each drivers' style.

I like that alot to be really honest. I think that I would probably pay to see Friday practice live, then watch quali/race from home. THAT would be my perfect weekend!

[Henning]

But my point is that what may not be good for the teams could be good for the fans.

I see your point and I agree

But balancing reliability versus performance has always been one major factor in racing. And although regrettable, having a car expire in a race is part of the competitive process.

...and I agree makes for an exciting spectacle.