Cost reduction: The F1 Commission rejects most proposals
The meeting of the F1 Commission regarding cost reduction proposals has resulted in an almost status quo; the only major change being the gradual reduction of private testing.
Tobias Grüner, journalist for the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, indicated that the meeting scheduled for this Wednesday in London regarding cost reduction resulted in most of the proposals being rejected by the F1 Commission, which is made up equally of representatives from the teams (Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, and Williams), the rights holders, and the FIA.
Thus, Grand Prix weekends will not be shortened by one session at the beginning of the 2015 season, even though this possibility had been mentioned. Furthermore, tire warming devices will still be allowed; a slight modification, however, as Pirelli will place logos on the warming covers, allowing the teams to receive an additional sum of 200,000 euros as sponsorship.
AMuS also reveals that the only real changes should take place at the level of private testing. Thus, in 2015, the 12 days of pre-season testing should take place entirely in Europe (this season, two of the three four-day sessions took place in Bahrain). The in-season tests, currently numbering 8, should be reduced to 4. In 2016, there should be only 8 days of pre-season testing and no in-season testing days.
More information to come…
