The dangers of an in-season testing ban.

Ferrari have an empty seat after Felipe's accident, but their test drivers (Mike and Luca) have never tested the actual F60. I just think that it is an unfair expectation for a driver to come to grips with a new car in 3 practice sessions and qualifying before getting into an actual race.

I think it should be stipulated in the rules that the reserve drivers can at least have a test session during the season to better develop the cars, obviously, but more importantly have a seasoned driver waiting in the wings.

Coming from a slightly different perspective, I think it was Felipe who spoke out against the testing ban some time ago. His view was that there was a safety issue with bringing un-tested new parts to a race weekend.

The whole concept of not testing is illogical.

F1 cars ARE test vehicles because they are at the forefront of a technology - despite the current trend by the FIA to dumb it down and chase people such as Ilien and Newey away which would effectively signal the end of the f1 concept.

The risk is increased and the sport loses because new drivers cannot be assessed by teams.

I like the idea offered by Gary Anderson of at least two periods of two test days and and or preferrably making the Thursday of a grand prix a test day.

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Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1

Coming from a slightly different perspective, I think it was Felipe who spoke out against the testing ban some time ago. His view was that there was a safety issue with bringing un-tested new parts to a race weekend.

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Was the suspension module modified from the setup that started the season does anyone know.

Anyway, regardless of this, I think the current situation is crazy.

I suppose the arguement is that teams have the opportunity to give a test pilot a shake down before the season starts. It's not the FIA's fault if they don't do it.

The problem with this rule is that it's a badly thought out, knee jerk solution.

One possible solution is that they have a spare care that can have a 60 minute shake down at the very beginning of a weekend but the current drivers cannot do this test. That would allow a 3rd or test driver to check parts and get drive experience with little additional cost.

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Originally Posted by Saint Devote

I like the idea offered by Gary Anderson of at least two periods of two test days and and or preferrably making the Thursday of a grand prix a test day.

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I'd rather have it the Monday after the race, in order to be sure that they will not spend time on set-up for the coming race but rather focus on testing new parts to be introduce a few races later.

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Originally Posted by ioan

I'd rather have it the Monday after the race, in order to be sure that they will not spend time on set-up for the coming race but rather focus on testing new parts to be introduce a few races later.

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That's a good idea, the costs wouldn't be too high. IMO they shouldn't have those after every race but on few occasions during the season.

Its a logical and well thought out plan; so obviously it will never happen! :rolleyes:

Obviously at some tracks (monaco) it could never work. But surely half a dozen test days a year wouldn't be a stupid idea.

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Originally Posted by ioan

I'd rather have it the Monday after the race, in order to be sure that they will not spend time on set-up for the coming race but rather focus on testing new parts to be introduce a few races later.

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Yep, either before or after the GP is a good idea.

Doesn't have to be a full day though. 1 or 2 hours fitted in somewhere is enough.

In-season testing should only be allowed for the bottom half of the championship...that would keep everyone on their toes and ensure a more even playing field.

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Originally Posted by Knock-on

Yep, either before or after the GP is a good idea.

Doesn't have to be a full day though. 1 or 2 hours fitted in somewhere is enough.

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The day after the GP idea is a good one. Obviously it wouldn't work for temporary circuits, but for permanent race tracks then it's a very sensible idea.