Not only could 2014 see a record breaking 21-race calendar and four pre-season tests starting in January, but the return of in-season testing looks likely too.
A meeting of the Sporting Working Group (SWG) in Canada on Saturday evening approved plans for not one, but four in-season test sessions.
A majority vote of eight to three means the idea will now go to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council on June 28th, where it will have to be ratified before it can be written into the 2014 regulations.
The three teams which voted down the idea are believed to include both Marussia and Caterham because of the cost involved.
In an effort to save costs, the proposal will see the tests taking place immediately after four European races – the teams will stay behind for two days, running a single car. Both Barcelona and Silverstone will host a test, whilst the remaining two locations are yet to be confirmed.
The young driver test will no longer take place, straight-line testing will be reduced from eight days to two and finally promotional filming days will be restricted to two as well – all this in an effort to ensure the four additional tests don’t cause too much of a financial strain on the smaller teams.
The cancellation of the young driver test might see some restrictions in place, mandating a team must run a rookie during some or all of the in-season test sessions.
