18/03/2005
NEWS STORY
 |
Having already issued a proposal for a severe reduction in testing, which was agreed in Brazil, nine of the F1 teams have today issued a statement calling on Ferrari to re-think its current test strategy of "any time, any place".
The teams are particularly upset at Ferrari's decision to test not only in the week leading up to a Grand Prix, but whilst a GP weekend is in progress, as happened over the weekend of the Australian event and is happening today.
"Ferrari's actions not only potentially destabilise Formula One and increase costs but also provide Ferrari with an unequal advantage over all other teams," read the statement.
"Inevitably, such actions on the part of Ferrari can only increase costs within Formula One and undermine the principle of a 'level playing field' in the sport.
"The nine teams are requesting that Ferrari now reconsiders its position and acts in a responsible manner to support this valuable cost-saving initiative."
The nine teams have agreed a thirty-day test limit, though there is a widespread belief that as the season progresses, and the championship fight (hopefully) hots up, one or two may abandon the agreement.
In pre-season testing - up until the Australian GP got underway - BAR, Toyota and WilliamsF1 has all carried out more testing miles than Ferrari.
Although it is still early days, BAR have used up three days of their allowance, while McLaren, Renault and WilliamsF1 have used two. Toyota, the only other team to have tested, has used one. As of Thursday March 17, Ferrari has used 7.
To check out the full pre-season test stats and mileage, click here