The ban on testing is dangerous according to De La Rosa

The third McLaren driver, Pedro de la Rosa, criticized the new regulation limiting testing for 2009.

Following the change in regulations, test drivers will no longer be able to drive the cars during the season, unless it’s to replace an official driver.

Precisely, the Spanish driver considers this potentially dangerous, arguing that the lack of practice between March and November could increase safety issues.

« I hope I can do some testing in the next few weeks because for me it is very important to arrive in Melbourne with as many kilometers under my belt as possible. Otherwise, the situation of the third driver is ridiculous, » said De la Rosa in Jerez.

« Arriving in Melbourne with very few kilometers driven and not having a single test day during the season will make us poorly trained test drivers. If we do not drive enough, it could be a problem as far as safety is concerned. »

In previous years, third drivers often had races to stand in for cases where the official drivers were sick or suffering from injuries.

The famous Mika Salo did it in 1999 following Michael Schumacher’s accident at Silverstone, where he broke his leg.

De la Rosa continued: « For me, it would be fantastic if we could test more. Because I think testing is the cheapest way to develop a car. That’s my opinion. But I don’t think it will be possible. »