In 2003, Sauber opted not to take part in the private tests run at Grands Prix on Friday mornings. In 2004, and again in 2005, they have chosen, though eligible, not to run a third car in free practice. The Swiss team has always claimed that the reason for the decision is simple, lack of money.

Now, in the wake of (justified) criticism from Jacques Villeneuve, the team is said to be considering running a third car.

In the build up to the Australian Grand Prix (from January 1), only two teams tested less than the Swiss outfit, Jordan and Minardi, which completed 3993 miles. Since the 'testing limit' came into effect - post Melbourne - Sauber hasn't carried out any testing.

The downside to Peter Sauber's admission that his team might run a third car, is that it appears to be more for commercial reasons than anything else, with the Swiss outfit supposedly looking at a number of pay drivers who would basically underwrite the programme.

Of course, this is nothing new, both Jordan and Minardi have used the third car to sustain a revenue stream, however it was thought that Sauber wanted to be taken seriously. It's all very well having state-of-the-art windtunnels, but what's really needed is track-time, nothing else compares.