31/08/2010
NEWS STORY
McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has revealed that the teams are hoping to hold six tests ahead of the 2011 season opener, with the final test probably taking place in Bahrain.
"We've agreed there will be six tests during the winter and probably the last one will be in Bahrain but it hasn't been quite agreed yet," he told reporters in Belgium at the weekend."
In-season testing is currently banned - much to the frustration of many teams and drivers - while last winter testing was also limited. Whitmarsh, who in addition to his role as team principal at McLaren is also chairman of the Formula One Teams' Association, admits that he would like more testing - including in-season - but that in the current financial climate this isn't possible.
"I personally would like to see more testing but I am respectful of the fact that there are teams still hurting," he said. "We've now got at least six tests in the winter so that's a step further forward. What we haven't got at the moment is agreement to test during the season. I'd like to see a couple of tests but we've made some progress. To have six tests in the winter is more than we've had in recent years."
Testing will be even more important this year what with Pirelli replacing Bridgestone as sole tyre supplier. It is also anticipated that two of the winter tests will be for up and coming tests.
In addition to the final pre-season test, Bahrain is also expected to host the first race of the season, as it did this year.