Lifting of the testing ban in 2009?

The new agreement banning in-season testing could be amended before it comes into effect next month.

The British journalist Joe Saward claims that this possibility was examined by the governing bodies during the recent Portimao tests, a real fiasco due to the weather conditions.

This ban on testing during the season aims to reduce costs and manpower. It has been the subject of controversy among some teams, given the simultaneous introductions in 2009 of KERS and slick tires, which paradoxically need to be tested.

It is therefore proposed that the three test sessions for the upcoming season should no longer be canceled to allow for the development of these innovations.

« It is not in everyone’s interest to see five or six cars finishing the races, so we are trying to reach an agreement on a rules change in 2009, » said a team member.

This ban was decided after consultations between the teams through FOTA with the FIA. A unanimous vote would be required to reverse the agreement.