In a bid to reduce costs, new regulations for 2016 will cut pre-season testing from 12 to 8 days, with the year's first test scheduled at Circuit to Catalunya from March 1-4, approximately one month before the season gets underway in Australia.

Jerez had in the past  often been the venue of choice for F1 teams as its location in southern Spain ensured clement weather while a much colder climate could potentially dominate proceedings Barcelona at that time of the year.

The tests are also scheduled during the week so as not to force the organizer to increase security, something which would be necessary had the running been scheduled on weekends attended by a larger number of fans.

One wonders why Formula 1, which is currently in dire need of some crowd boosting, would deliberately deprive fans of the joy of attending a pre-season test during the weekend. Apparently the team's monies take precedence over the promotion of the sport...

Click here for FIA President Jean Todt's thoughts on the current state of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

6 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

7 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

8 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

9 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

11 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

11 hours ago