JANUARY 5, 2002

New testing rules

AFTER much confusion and several controversial meetings, the Formula 1 team bosses agreed in November to new testing regulations which will see a continued midseason ban and additional breaks in testing after the final race and over the Christmas period.

The FIA washed its hands of testing last year and the control of testing bans will now be overseen by Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One group of companies. The limitation on tests was designed to cut costs but as usual it has had the opposite effect as several teams have decided to run two test teams this year so as to maximize the testing in the time available.