Q1) In-season testing returns this year after being banned in 2009. Are you glad to see an official in-season test return to F1?
A: Yes and no. Yes because the fans have even more time to see the cars on track and teams have more opportunity to develop updates, but it doesn't send out a very good message about a sport which has publicly committed to cut costs. The reaction to the return of in-season testing has also been mixed - Fernando Alonso has stated that the Mugello test will be important for Ferrari to try and gain some ground on the front-runners, while others, such as McLaren's Paddy Lowe, have admitted that they don't need an in-season test and that holding one is just another burden on the team's budget and logistics. He even went as far to suggest that he didn't think there would be another in-season test after this year. Doesn't bode well...
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| Day One washout at Mugello © FIA |
Q2 [as suggested by @cwhite90999]) Do you think it is a mistake for HRT to not attend the test?
A: A month or so ago I said that the 'new' teams, HRT and Marussia in particular, can't even begin to dream of catching up to the others if they can't attend testing and I still stand by that. However for a team like HRT, who have so little money compared to the likes of outfits such as cash-strapped Williams, attending a test in which they're not going to gain much in terms of performance or data-gathering would be a big strain on their already limited resources. So in that sense it seems like a sensible decision to miss out on the test, and one where they could divert the money saved into development for next year's car.
Q3) Do you think that having the test after only 4 races makes the test slightly less effective than it could be if it were later along in the calendar?
A: If anything I think it makes it more effective. Having the Mugello test 10 or so days before the Spanish GP will allow the teams to trial some of their big updates for that race, and with the way this season has unfolded up to now this could either bunch up the pack even more or give us a slightly better idea of a front-running order.
BONUS) What do you make of the Young Drivers test potentially being brought forward and being held at Silverstone this year?
A: I think it's a great idea. Even with the clause allowing all teams to go to Abu Dhabi at short notice due to bad weather, and Red Bull and Toro Rosso preferring to go to Abu Dhabi in the first place, I'd like to think that the huge following Formula 1 has in the UK would mean the test would be very well attended by fans. If there was some sort of discount or special offer for those of us going to the British Grand Prix, that would be perfect (are you listening Bernie?)
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| Silverstone or Abu Dhabi? © Andrew Hone/Getty Images |
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