F1 should bring back testing as an event

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Fans wait to meet Lewis Hamilton at last year's F1 test at Silverstone

Michael Schumacher’s return to F1 and Jaime Alguersuari’s debut in Hungary has sparked a debate over the problems with the ban on testing during the season this year.

The ban was intended to cut costs, but it has caused problems for teams wishing to evaluate new drivers.

I think F1 is missing some valuable opportunities by not having testing during the season. Here’s my proposal for bringing it back.

The World Motor Sports Council agreed to ban testing for nine months in 2009 (with some exceptions) shortly after Honda’s shock withdrawal from F1 last year.

Last year much of the in-season testing was done in Spain. This meant teams incurred the costs of transporting their cars to distant circuits and back again.

The remainder were often conducted in the run-up to Grands Prix on the same circuits where the teams would be racing. Although it was cost-effective, as it fit in with the teams’ travel schedules, it meant they were less inclined to do running early in the Grand Prix weekend, meaning worse value for money for spectators at the event.

Could they combine the two approaches and get the best of both worlds?

What if a limited number of tests were allowed per year? These could be at circuits other than Grand Prix venues, but near to them.

For example, the pre-Italian Grand Prix test could be held at Imola, just a few hours away from Monza. Similarly before the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, the teams could test at Hockenheim.

Public entry to the tests could be charged (at a much lower rate than race weekends, of course), drivers could do autograph sessions and perhaps the paddock area could be opened up a little more than it is at hectic Grand Prix weekends.

There is definitely a demand for such an event in F1’s heartland countries. Last year Silverstone sold 5,000 tickets at £12 each for its three-day pre-race test (£30 for all three days), which was held on weekdays.

There could also be ‘rookie only’ tests for teams looking to evaluate up-and-coming drivers. This would help the likes of Red Bull, who replaced Sebastien Bourdais with the untried Jaime Alguersuari. Similarly Nelson Piquet Jnr’s likely replacement, Romain Grosjean, has only driven the 2009-spec Renault in straight-line aerodynamics tests.

Given that F1 fans have so few opportunities to see modern F1 cars in action – just 17 races this year – I’m sure test sessions could, with a little imagination, be reintroduced as extra mini-events on the F1 calendar.

What do you think? Should they allow some testing during the season next year?

See pictures from last year’s Silverstone test here: Pictures: Silverstone F1 test paddock

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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59 comments on “F1 should bring back testing as an event”

  1. One other possibility would be to allow them to test the day after each race on the same circuit, that way no extra travel costs/time & no risk of damaging the car before the race.

    1. Good idea, maybe the two or three days after a GP would be good. Or maybe the previous wednesday and thursday.

      1. MotoGP already does this.

    2. I think extending the race weekend like that is a great idea! I never thought about holding test days after the race weekend…

    3. Plus, the track will be rubbered in for better race data.

    4. Like that Idea, Howard.

  2. Hear, hear! I’ve had this exact thought for a number of years, now. There are 3 options for this, in my view:
    (1) Testing at GP venues after the Grand Prix, like they do in MotoGP.
    (2) Official pre-season and in-season testing sessions where all teams would be present, at non-GP venues, perhaps even in non-GP countries, like Austria, Portugal, the Netherlands, et cetera. And F1 could even consider flying the entire testing circus to Kyalami, for instance.
    (3) And, like you stated, having Imola and Hockenheim to accompany Monza and the Nurburgring. While the first option would be by far the easiest to accomplish, this could be more interesting, since it would see additional circuits being visited during the year.

    To accommodate official tests, and official tests only, the FIA could mandate, say, 2 pre-season tests consisting of 4 or 5 days, one 3-day session at 1/3rd season distance, and one 3-day session at 2/3rds of the season. This would spread out testing somewhat, too.

    Rookie-only tests are a good idea, too. Say 1 day per in-season session.

    And lastly, FOM should stream those sessions online, and have video items end of day, too.

    1. I think AFTER Grand Prix testing sounds like the way to go. Cost effective, more opportunity for fans to see the cars. Would be nice for non GP countries and circuits to get a taste though! How about Bernie just pay for all the teams to test!!!
      Check out what he is demanding for the Canadian GP to return!

      http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/othersports/2009/08/05/10363696-sun.html

      1. Accidentalmick
        5th August 2009, 12:21

        Thanks for that kink – very interesting!

    2. Would a Rookie ony test class Schumacher as a Rookie?

      1. Depends. A properly-worded description wouldn’t. Every version the FIA has used so far would.

  3. have to say i like the idea of the testing at the track AFTER the race. the arguements for this idea are exellent.

  4. I’ve been thinking something pretty similar for a while too, based on what the Le Mans Series do, where there are official test sessions during the season.

    For F1 scale it up to 4 or 5 per year or something. But yeah, 1 or 2 day session at a circuit, every team can attend with up to 2 cars. But if they don’t attend the official test days, they can’t test. Maybe have 1 or 2 at Jerez or Valencia, one or two at HTTT Paul Ricard (maybe have a different track configuration each day), and one or two at Algarve (or Mugello, Imola, Hockenheim, etc, just not any GP circuits). Testing only allowed on those days, at those locations. Open it up to crowds for a nominal fee (thats the key, not blowing out to Eu40 per day or something), they’ll have as many at 20 cars on track for an entire day and much more action than a friday at a GP weekend.
    F1 gets limited testing, teams get testing, fans get to see the cars on track that they might not get to otherwise (cos lets face it GP tickets are beyond a lot of people).

    I still think pre-season should be the current situation, but in season testing change to official test days at particular circuits.

  5. Definitely Keith, Testing should be re-introduced.

    to cut costs, in season testing would definetly be logical at a different track in the same country, and pre season testing could be held in each constructors respective country to cut transportation costs.

    now i guess they all bundled in Spain’s Jerez because they get a deal, that could keep up as well… if it makes financial sense..

    1. It’s also much better weather than can be expected in Britain (home of most teams at the moment). I remember when Midland/Spyker used to test cars when there was frost on the ground…

  6. On a small side line what do people think of the F1 Rocks (F1 Rocks) Idea for revenue generation.

    I must admit i think it is a great idea. Also quite good at attracting younger audiances to F1

    1. Nice idea but I disagree with the name as Beyonce in particular is not rock. And although it is a nice idea it does not even slightly appeal to me as I would rather cut off my ears than watch a band like Black Eyed Peas. The trouble with it is that it is not like a typical music event where people all go for a particular type of music, it is an event which is aimed at F1 fans, who naturally like different things, and it will be extrordinarily difficult to appeal to everyone. If they put a range of bands on, then people may only like one band on the bill, and although better than nothing, that probably won’t justify the ticket price.

      1. For sure – this is just Bernie trying to get more money back for CVC on the back of all the expensive TV deals he has in place…… :-)

      2. yeah black eyed peas (sell outs to anyone who wants to give them money) and beyonce are hardly worth going to see. maybe for teens but i doubt many f1 fans.

        the only good thing at the last malaysian GP i went to was a DJ up on one of the hills beating out tunes all weekend.

  7. I think all the ideas in the article + monday testing are great. Unfortunately that’s the requirement for FIA to avoid using it.

  8. CovertGiblets
    5th August 2009, 9:09

    I think most sane people would agree with the idea Keith. It smacks of both common sense and oportunities for the fans to get close to the cars at reasonable prices. As long as the logistical costs can be minimised then everyone will be happy.

    That’s why the FIA will never agree to it!!

    I would add that the nominated test drivers/rookies should be the ONLY drivers to test in ANY of the sessions. That way all the team drivers get time in the cars.

  9. The testing ban is good because it reduces costs for developing the car.
    But the teams should be allowed to give their rookies drivers old cars to drive in.
    Just like Schumacher’s driving the 2007 Ferrari now.
    Even if the car was 4 or 5 years old – it’s still a modern F1 car. Paradoxically, those cars where even faster. The teams could evaluate their rookies, without compromising the testing ban, which prohibits them from putting money into the development of the cars. This would also hinder them from cheating.

  10. I’d like to see 3rd / 4th / etc. and test drivers be given more to do. There’s a pool of drivers around F1 who do little more than wear a team shirt for most of the season (Klein, De La Rosa, Gene, Badoer, Liuzzi, Davidson when he’s not commentating, etc.).

    Recent changes to the rules have created a buffer of quality, if not championship winning, talent that has no where else to go except the usual retired F1 drivers’ route such as Touring Cars or Le Mans.

  11. As much as I love to hear F1 tests in the ‘nearby’ circuits, safety, circuit conditions may hamper this, and if they need to be in place, the circuit may charge a bit higher fee.
    Anyway, it was nice to read this and feel happy that someone else thinks about me, but I just woke back to reality that F1 is very un-friendly to the fans, governed by ppl unworthy for their posts!! so let me get back to work

  12. Another bonus for Monday testing would be to miss the traffic!!
    1) Watch race
    2) Sunday night entertainment – Camping, food and drink revenue
    3) Watch testing – drive home early afternoon Monday with less traffic.
    Y

  13. Arun Srinivasan
    5th August 2009, 10:08

    ……………..

  14. There has been talk (started by Luca) of teams taking a ‘third car’ to F1GP races, but clearly, 39 cars on the grid is a non-starter for many circuits (e.g., Monaco). So how about a rookie ‘wind down’ race after the main event of the Sunday? They would get to race in the current F1 cars, but effectively what used to be called the ‘T car’. Yep, there would be only 13 cars on the grid, but that might not be a bad thing for rookie drivers as they go into the first corner… And I’ve seen plenty of exciting races with far less than 13 cars in it…. It would help stagger the departing crowds and the traffic as well.

    1. While the idea is quite good, there’s one practical issue: teams are no longer allowed to bring a T-car to races, and I doubt they’re willing to risk one of their race cars in what is in a way a meaningless race.

      1. If there was a Rookie Cup with a prize for the best rookie and team (smaller than the main F1 race, of course) then teams would perhaps risk a race car for it.

    2. I think we need in season testing for sure..
      The idea of testing after a GP sounds awesome… better than watching the race 6 times after it’s over… and it’ll give young drivers a chance to get behind the wheel… if the new F1 is going to be anything about the fans well these sort of things should happen for sure… :)

      Anybody on facebook come and join the Formula One Fans Association… a great little group all about the people!… :)

      http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/FOFA/118635260743

  15. there is only one problem Keith you show way to much common sense. Brilliant idea but Im sure the powers that be will shoot it down because it will work.

  16. I think Fridays should be turned into test days. From 8am to 6pm (or whatever time scale is feasible), F1 teams are permitted to test with up to three cars, with engines/gearboxes exempt from the long-life regulations that apply to qualifying and races. In-season testing outside of the race weekend should still be banned. This way, rookies get a chance to test, teams can still do part development and setup work, and the fans get a good show.

    The only possible issue with this is the timetabling of support races on only Saturday and Sunday. But in the end most of the fans pay to see F1 cars, which is what they will get for the whole of Friday.

    1. Bigbadderboom
      5th August 2009, 12:03

      Good point Andy, logistical costs would be kpept to a minimum and then tests would be “open” in respect of fans. This would also be much easier for tv coverage as the BBC in the uk would just red button it all day.
      This would give the fans a real insight as well, the more I consider this the more i like it, nice one Andy, but it makes too much sense so we know the FIA wouldn’t support it, and it wouldn’t give Bernie any more money so it’s not in his interest.

  17. Some good ideas are listed here. I would love to see all F1 cars in Zandvoort as preparation for the Belgium GP. I’ll be there for sure.

    But when you look at the costs, testing at the same circuit after the race is the best option. The cars, people and equipment are there already.

    But the people that work during the weekend, now have to work longer, until the test are over. Many teams have a testteam, that would mean more people will have to travel to the circuit.

  18. Keith, have you considered throwing your hat into the ring for FiA President?

    1. Yes. And ask a selection of posters here to be your Cabinet of 22. :)

  19. Yes make the fridays free testing days where the teams can test with 3 cars, test drivers or new drivers with engines and gearboxes outside the limitation rules.
    There would be a lot of action on the track for the fans,
    cheap for the teams and fair for everyone.

  20. I am not sure about fridays, my only reservation being that it may make for less interesting races, e.g. being able to set a car up to its absolute potential could lead to processional races.

    Does anybody know whether that testing ban has led to lower development costs? logistical definitely. Given that you now have to ensure that any upgrade must work first time, does this lead to high development costs? or is the old method of throwing upgrades at a car and testing what works and what does not more expensive.

    Just some random thoughts…

  21. Yes, and surely they could combine it with some other series’ demonstration races to keep it more varied and interesting.

  22. Brilliant idea. However, being as jaded as I am from observing the constant politics that go on in F1 I have to say it won’t fly. While FOTA would most likely try to introduce something along these lines Williams will have an objection to it. :-)

  23. Hells yeah!

    What about using a track in the US, with top drivers from the US scene testing alongside regular F1 drivers and young prospects?

    I think we could go further – why not some non-championship Grands Prix? Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel vs Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon at Elkheart Lake or somewhere? I would stay up late to see that.

    The only solution to less testing is to have more racing. A non-championhsip, FOTA run grand prix would surely not be beyond the realms of possibility and would certainly put Max and Bernie in their place.

  24. how about replacing the current scheme w/ tests on an oval? arent people compaining about the noise around airfields where they do the straightline tests? and airfields dont have grandstands…

  25. I think everyone agrees with Keith its great. But if it in anyway benefits the average joe fan, then I have a feeling the FIA won’t allow it. As far as I can tell, they are prett anti-not rich people.

  26. Why not winter testing (pre season) and about this time have 2 more testing session on a agreed/selected track. This way they can test new drivers when others are taking a break,

  27. people who support the testing ban are nuts!! thats all i can say.

  28. YES, them never should be banned in the first place… We own our thanks (again) to Mr. MAD Max Mosley for that…

    It’s cazy – the teams are testing aero improvements on matchbox models and small vans…

    And this is the top of technological achibements…

    Poor F1… poor us how love it… God damn the powers that allow (I know it all) the rising of a star – Schumi – because ratings went donw after Senna dies and then created a monster that they couldn’t control, have givven a lot of vantage to Ferrari, rating went down again because the damn bozo have the races won before even starting… and now, after he won everything it was to win, break every record there was, bring back the 40 year dude again – it’s a splash, rating will go up again, for sure, everybody wants to see what’s going to happen – will he do something, will he do nothing?… Will we laught of it – will FIA start introducing a clown per race to keep Bernie’s and their own pocket’s full?… We never know – them already prove to all of us that they can do whatever they want and, no matter how stupid it is, they get away with it and nobody can do nothing (execpt the teams – retire all and leave two old men playing with matchbox formula 1 car from the ’60s… Man I’m so tired of all this ‘formula one’… I just wanted to see good races, fair and normal rules… Keep the safety improovments and return to the ’80s… That’s an ideia! Remeber Keke Rosberg’s 1.000 horse power Williams? Remmeber Dallas, all those REAL stars, all those GREAT tracks… now all we get is those frigid tracks from that german guy nobody ever heard before many Bernie ‘invent’ him to do some drawings of new tracks. I admit – the edifications on the new tracks are nice, related to local tradition, but the tracks have no soul… there’s no history, everythin is design with a rule and a compass… I wonder if Silverstone was even drawn on a paper before they make the first race race – now that’s a track with a lot of soul, maybe the one that has more…

    1. YES, them never should be banned in the first place… We own our thanks (again) to Mr. MAD Max Mosley for that…

      I guess you don’t realize that I was the teams wo proposed to cut testing? Mosley simply accepted their proposal. You can hardly blame Mosley for that!

  29. I think the friday practice sessions should simply be changed to a test day…
    Most teams realize on the sunday if what they brought was competitive or not. Also, what’s the point of testing parts that will be replaced / be obsolete for the next GP. I don’t think you would get to see much action on mondays.

    I think it should be 8-12am 3rd/test drivers only, 1-5 race drivers only.

  30. I think a complete friday testday could be great (altough you need to get the other classes to drive).
    The day(s) after the race is a good solution too. MotoGP has been doing it indeed, they would be testing a lot for sure!

  31. Bring back non-championship races as a chance to test more parts and give fans more action.

    You could visit Adelaide the week after Melbourne, Magny-Cours after Monaco, Hockenheim after Nurburgring, Imola after Monza and Fuji after Suzuka. That keeps costs down and ticks most of the boxes, and all of these races should attract a good crowd

  32. This Monday test idea is the best thing since sliced bread. Just for a couple of GPs a year (obviously not street circuits!)

    The drivers can still go home on Sunday, so that’s ok. Now how can we get this idea to the FIA…?… hmmmmm

  33. How about this idea. It is mainly to help “test” drivers and younger drivers, but what if during the winter testing they had 3 or 4 pre-season races. The thing is, it is only the teams test drivers that take part in the races. That way the teams get to test new parts in race conditions plus test driverw will get to live up to their names.

  34. Good ideas here!
    I think a combination of the above is the best solution:

    During season
    – 5 one-day tests after the race on monday, 3 cars allowed (and engines, gearboxes tyres etc)
    – 4 one-day tests in the same country as the race also with the three cars

    Pre / after season
    – 3 multiple day tests on any circuit the team(s) like; the circuit may not be on the GP calender; with a limit on the number of miles.
    – 4 rookie races, ALL on Maranello, and all revenues (tickets, television) equally divided with all the teams.

  35. Keith, your pagan practice of common sense is not welcome in F1 :)

  36. I totally agree with you.
    It should be held at places which is easy for the teams and host no F1 race.

  37. I am all for testing, they need to do something. They could even extend practice days, time, etc…or something.

  38. The track at Portugal is really good and it is a shame it is so under used. I think more events ought to be organised here, not least F1. And only 10 minutes from the track at Portimao is a 5 bed villa that we rent out so I also have a vested interest!!

    I really can’t wait until F1 comes back to Portugal and at this fantastic track. Testing is important and I think that with this year’s events it has shown it is required. As good as Schumacher is what if something happens to him??? It could also raise additional revenue for the sport.

  39. Testing should be allowed. I think if testing were allowed, BMW would have benefited a lot and might have stayed. Maybe not but i sure would not like to see teams quitting F1 just because of this silly testing ban rule.

    Ferrari and Mclaren are top teams, they did well without testing and sorted their well off the pace cars, i am afraid if teams like Toyota or Renault had gotten it wrong(to Mclaren’s level), they wouldn’t have reached anywhere near good points let alone podiums like what Mclaren and Ferrari achieved. It would have been very tough for them and they would have complained a lot about this testing ban rule.

    I hope this testing ban stuff don’t get serious and have negative effects on F1.

    JUGNU

  40. I like the monday testing idea alot. But the powers at be dont seem to be keen.

    I have an idea for a testing event that happens once a year in the vein of an All Star Weekend/Teams Showcase. The venue can be awarded to different countries each year like the Champions League Final.

    At the mid point of the season, just after the break, all the teams start a 3 day test on Wednesday as per normal, then on the weekend they all compete in a series of challenges to see who is the best team.

    Challenges include:
    – Rookie(not current F1 drivers) quailfying/race program (25 laps).
    – Pitstop time trial – In lap, tyres, outlap.
    – Car handling slalom time trial.
    – Elimination drag competition (no kers)
    – Standard car quali/race (like race of champions, all drivers in identical cars – eg, Formula Ford, WSBR)

    All competitions earn points for teams, winning team is crowned at the end with a trophy. No WCC points, just good PR for sponsors.

    What you think?

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