I agree they should be allowed a day of testing at the permanent European GP tracks (overseas testing just too costly in "cost cutting times", and extra days at street courses just not feasible), but that day should be Monday after a GP not Thursday before a GP. Teams focus on vastly different things in a GP practice session than they do at a test not connected to a specific GP. Move it to Monday and it becomes an actual test, rather than just an extra practice session for the GP.
Fair comment. I agree they couldn't do it at all of the races, but getting there a day early, or staying a day later, can't possibly add much to the budget. I'd be happy with either day, and don't even have a problem with them using it as "extended practice" for the upcoming race - Why not? Each team can choose whether to use Thursday to try and find "short term" gains for the upcoming race or to try out longer term ideas/parts etc. I suspect the "problem" with Monday is that many of 'em won't be able to run due to crashes/ka-blamo's etc etc. Cheers, Ian
Until testing is allowed more teams will give up...ie use the rest of the season as a test bed. Great for competition(hardly). More silliness. More stupidity and have costs been reduced?? Fix the engine rule and testing and I think we might have better racing. At least the rules would be rational in some way.
Well, for one thing the teams should be allowed a T-car again. They're already bringing a 3rd car to races,in boxes, not actually assembled into a car. Allow them to bring that 3rd car and allow an allocation of "testing" engines, which cannot be used as "race" engines, say 1 engine per test session. I also think that during such a test session a significant percentage of the laps done should be driven by a designated test driver. Say 40%. This will allow for up-and-coming drivers some seat time and further differentiate testing from the GP meeting. I just think that testing should be separated from the GP weekend. Giving the teams more track time ahead of a GP will extend the gap between the teams for that GP. Having the test session after the GP gives them generic track time to improve the car, but not any specific data to use at that circuit for another 12 months. Testing should be more about the car, not the track.
+1 without wishing to fire Steve up again, another of Mad Max's stupid ideas! Now that idea I *really* like! They've all already got their third/reserve drivers on site - Let 'em at it! Possibly. How about my idea that the podium teams can't participate in said tests? Give everyone else a chance to close the gap? Again, fair comment. As I said, I'd be happy either way! Cheers, Ian
