8 replies to this topic

[Hunt the Shunt Fan]

Is the Imola circuit an official test track? I didn’t think it was. But if it isn’t then why was Ferrari testing there and why aren’t other teams at that circuit?

[BuonoBruttoCattivo]

Imola is an offically FIA-approved F1 race track, so therefore by defenition, can be used for testing as well since its a closed circuit, like Silverstone, Barcelona etc, etc. The only issue with Imola a while ago was the potential introduction of new stupid noise abatement rules proposed by the past governement which may have curtailed testing F1 cars (+120 decibels). Mugello was even more under threat, but Ferrari owns Mugello and in Italy no one, including the governement, screws with Ferrari ;)
The reason others do not join is the weather (Spain is much milder), but in 2000 McL test w/ Ferrari at Mugello together like a nice family

[Scoop]

[i] Ferrari owns Mugello and in Italy no one, including the governement, screws with Ferrari ;)
[/B]

[Makebelieve]

why was Ferrari testing there and why aren’t other teams at that circuit?

I think Ferrari is testing there because Imolas layout is rather similar to the OZ layout, at least they appear that way to me. It's also not to far away from home for Ferrari.

The reason why I think others aren't there is probably that it's safer weatherwise in Spain and Silverstone is closer to some teams base?

[unrepentant lurker]

Hmmm, isn't there a prohibition against testing at circuits at which a GP is to be held during the year, with exception to the circuits at which the French, British, Spanish and Italian GPs are held?

[b195]

Not in 2002. All the complicated testing rules from 2001 have disappeared from the 2002 regs, so (basically) you can test at any circuit at any time providing it is approved for F1 cars.

[cygnus]

I can't remember the exact number, but the FIA has a rule against testing on a circuit that will hold a grand prix in 'X' weeks of the test.

[bira]

Toyota tested extensively at Imola last year.

Minardi ran a test session at Imola a couple of weeks ago or so.

And, as b195 said, testing prohibitions were removed for 2002 - although I believe the 'no testing two weeks before a GP on the same circuit as the GP' remains.

[Liam]

Toyota even managed to test at Spa two weeks before last years GP. How they got the roads closed for a weekend I'm not sure. Maybe the Belgians have built alternative routes?