Ferrari May Agree To Test Limits

[cavallino 2]

Ferrari could be ready to abandon their free-for-all approach to testing next season, because the front-running Williams and Toyota teams are switching to Bridgestone.

The Maranello outfit has operated outside of the 30-day testing limit that was agreed between the other nine teams on the grid this season. Ferrari felt they would be disadvantaged if they limited their running as they were the only team capable of carrying out development w*rk for Bridgestone.

But with Williams and Toyota set to help with tyre testing next year, Ferrari's sporting director Jean Todt has admitted that his team will likely re-appraise their approach to the testing debate.

"We are in discussion about this, yes," he said in this week's Autosport. "The situation will be very different next year. We will not be the only strong team on Bridgestone tyres.

"With the greatest respect to Minardi and Jordan, they have not been able to help us with tyre development this year."

One of the key factors in Ferrari falling in line with the other teams, however, will be how much the team are allowed to use their Fiorano test facility.

Technical director Ross Brawn said: "An agreement is possible, but it would have to be a solution that does not disadvantage us with regard to Fiorano.

"That's something that we would have to resolve."

I wonder how Fiorano will fit in.

Curiously, Suzuka is Honda owned, if they take over the BAR share, would they move their testing and development there?

[nojvnof1 0]

good question. I thought Honda would remain at Brackley as I don't see them relocating the whole team to Japan. If they remain in the UK, then maybe Honda will establish a 'home' test team as it would be way too far for the race drivers and personnel to travel for tests during the season. Oh, good to see Ferrari considering limiting testing too.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

Yeah its about time

[Senna 0]

Yeah its about time

Indeed. But you can understand their position. This was of course a voluntary agreement, which some teams chose to sign, others didn