13/03/2005
NEWS STORY
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What with one thing and another, Ferrari would appear to be responsible for everything that's bad in the world at present.
Ever since Brazil 2004, when the Maranello outfit refused to sign up to the cost-cutting initiative drawn up following a number of meetings, the team has stood apart from the rest.
Then came the shock decision to desert the Grand Prix World Championship - which it had founded - and sign up to Bernie Ecclestone's 'new improved' F1 until 2012, and of course the shenanigans in Melbourne, when Paul Stoddart claimed (incorrectly as it turned out) that the stable of the cavallino rampante was blocking his team's entry in its home event.
In the days leading up to the Australian Grand Prix, the Italian team carried out a two-day programme at Mugello during which Luca Badoer completed 496 miles of testing. Then, over the weekend of the Melbourne event, Andrea Bertolini completed 348 miles of straight-line testing at Vairano.
This immediately caused cries of "cheat" and "foul play" on various forums and message boards, as the Italian team appeared to break the current testing rules. This is not so.
Although there was previously an understanding that teams would not test during the seven days leading up to a Grand Prix, other than for a 50km 'shakedown', this has now been scrapped.
Indeed an FIA source has told Pitpass that there are no current rules regarding testing other than for a "gentleman's agreement" between the teams. We have been told that Charlie Whiting will give us the further details of this agreement - which we are currently waiting for (hint, hint!).
As of last week's Australian Grand Prix, when the season officially began, the nine 'rebel' teams have agreed to limit their testing to 30 days until the end of the season. Furthermore, none of the nine teams will test at two different circuits concurrently.
Also, a team may opt not to test should it feel that conditions compromise its programme, such as we witnessed with McLaren and Toyota at Jerez on Friday when they declared the session a "wash out".
Ferrari will continue to test when and where it wishes, and it is not breaking any rules.
On Tuesday (15 March), Ferrari will begin a three-day test at Fiorano, where Badoer will drive the F2005.