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[Nick from Oz]

Okay, I live on the other side of the world. So I am a bit short on some information. I try.

Here is an idea though. Why not turn the test sessions into a commercial event.

If there is a round of the DTM going at some track in germany, let the F1 boys go down and test new bits of the car, do some corporate stuff and the DTM could get more exposure along the way. They can televise it if popular enough because the production crew is already there. Marshalls are on hand and more people can go see an F1 car in full cry for a much cheaper than the ticket to go see an actual race.

Teams such as Red Bull and Renault can take there Road Shows there aswell.

This is obviously suitable to Europe only but it can maybe work outside of Europe if you tag it onto the end or before a fly away race. ie If there is a V8 Supercar race (Australian Touring Car Race) at say Phillip Island (1 hour drive from Melbourne) the week before the Melbourne GP, teams can turn up early and get some testing miles under there belt before the start of the season at hopefully a much cheaper price than doing on there own accord.

Smaller teams I am certain will be willing to join in.

You guys seem well educated so, tell me what you think?

Nick

[bud]

well i guess its a good idea during the season but in the offseason there isnt really any racing events going on with which the F1 circus could show up to.

[darwin dali]

Interesting idea. However, the costs for testing will still be huge considering all the logistics and workforce that need to be paid. And for teams like Ferrari who own their own test track nearby, it's more expensive at any rate.
Whatever the costs maybe, the point the teams and the FIA recently made is that in-season testing will be banned altogether except for Friday practice on GP weekends. I think that's a good solution. The audience will see more action on Friday and the teams save lots of dough as they are on location anyway.

[Jabberwocky]

I remember reading some time ago that an F1 car costs about £1,000 a lap to run + the logistics of getting all the gear and people to the circuit. The cost of renting the circuit etc is small fry. Good idea though, every little helps

[Nick from Oz]

1,000 pounds per lap. WOW.

You guys keep relating to the extra cost of testing. I mean that they should see if there is a way of actually making it profitable (dollar wise) to go testing.

Currently, F1 teams make most of there money 17 weekends a year. Why not extend that out to 20-25 times per year. They can bring less mechanics and more PR staff cause the result on track doesn't count for anything.

FIA can also use it as a testing ground for new circuits that are vying for a chamionship round.

More public exposure of the cars can create extra income streams for the teams. They can get "second tier" sponsors to advertise on the cars at a cheaper rate because it isn't a championship round. They can also do more promotional work with the drivers.

They are also helping other "grassroots" categories to get higher exposure.

Obviously however if it doesn't make a profit, scrap it.

[texasmr2]

Interesting idea. However, the costs for testing will still be huge considering all the logistics and workforce that need to be paid. And for teams like Ferrari who own their own test track nearby, it's more expensive at any rate.
Whatever the costs maybe, the point the teams and the FIA recently made is that in-season testing will be banned altogether except for Friday practice on GP weekends. I think that's a good solution. The audience will see more action on Friday and the teams save lots of dough as they are on location anyway.

I agree.

[Jabberwocky]

I am sure that any testing ban will mean that F1 companies, will suddenly happen to start testing road going ceramic brakes, 2.4L V8 engines, etc

[Nick from Oz]

I am sure that any testing ban will mean that F1 companies, will suddenly happen to start testing road going ceramic brakes, 2.4L V8 engines, etc

Motor racing companies are famous for bending the rules. I am reminded a few years back when the Runner up in the NASCAR championship was questioned as to if he believes that the winner resorted to cheating of some sort, he replied

"Hell yeah! We were cheating our arses off and we still couldn't keep up."

or something to that effect.

[Gaz]

I am sure that any testing ban will mean that F1 companies, will suddenly happen to start testing road going ceramic brakes, 2.4L V8 engines, etc

Yeh Mclaren release a new Road Spec MP4-24 with head lamps

[Jabberwocky]

I think the only team that could not be able to do road testing with anything would be Williams

[Nick from Oz]

I think the only team that could not be able to do road testing with anything would be Williams

What. I can see a 2.4L V8 winged wheelchair in the pipeline.