F1 teams confirm dates for 2016 in-season tests

Formula One teams have confirmed the dates of the two in-season tests that will take place in 2016 with Silverstone set to host a session after the British Grand Prix, F1i has learned.

While pre-season testing has been cut to eight days from 12 last winter, teams will still have four during the year. According to the regulations, they will once again have to field young drivers who have not started more than two grands prix in at least two of their allocated four days.

As last season, the first two-day test will take place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 17/18, namely after the Spanish Grand Prix. However, the second session will not be held in Austria's Red Bull Ring but at the Home of British Motorsport on July 12/13.

Several pilots had the opportunity to sample F1 machinery for the first time during last year’s in-season tests, including Williams development driver Alex Lynn (pictured above), Red Bull protégé Pierre Gasly and Ferrari Driver Academy member Antonio Fuoco.

This year’s pre-season preparations comprise two four-day tests and will kick off on February 22 at the Spanish Grand Prix venue.

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Julien Billiotte

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