Although it's been somewhat quiet of late, the issue regarding restrictions on testing in 2005, has not gone away.

In Brazil, Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, clearly under the guidance of Bernie Ecclestone, drew up a proposal whereby the teams agreed to limit their testing in 2005. This was somewhat ironic in light of the fact that Minardi rarely tests.

Although, surprisingly, nine of the teams agreed to seriously restrict their testing in 2005, Ferrari didn't.

Since then, the previous limit has been increased, while several teams have hinted that they may need to renege on the agreement. Furthermore, McLaren, having finished fifth in the Constructors' Championship, will be allowed to run a third car during the Friday practice sessions, though it's believed that Ferrari may well challenge this.

Speaking to Welt am Sonntag, Ferrari president, Luca di Montezemolo, made it clear that his team has no intention of cutting back on testing.

"I do not support strange resolutions," he said. "Imagine if in football Juventus, Bayern Munich or Manchester United were only allowed to train in the morning or only on Wednesdays. That would be stupid manipulation. If I want to test with my team for five days a week then that is my problem."

The testing limit was proposed by the teams in an effort to cut costs, but di Montezemolo argues that teams should be free to spend what they wish.

"It is my money," he said. "Even if I throw it from the window, I can do what I want with it. The topic of saving is important, but internal decisions must remain unaffected. How much should I pay my driver? How much should I train with my crew? Perhaps I am to decide that we have no American drivers because the dollar rate is too high?"

Once again, Ferrari will start the season with its previous year's car, albeit modified to suit the new 2005 regulations. Therefore the Italian outfit will need to embark on a massive test programme, once the season has begun, in order to get the F2005 up to speed.

Furthermore, several teams, most notably BAR, benefited from increased test programmes in 2004, and it unlikely that, despite the proposal, they will want to lose ground next season.

That said, the 19-race calendar, and the sheer number of double-headers (6 in all), will limit testing schedules anyway.