FEBRUARY 7, 2013

Brawn wants early tests for 2014 engines

Ross Brawn is calling for F1's engine suppliers to be allowed to do some early testing ahead of the 2014 season.

The Mercedes team boss said it is a risk to stick to the current plan, which would involve manufacturers and teams running all-new turbo V6s for the first time mere weeks ahead of the next world championship.

"We are looking for a solution," he is quoted by the Dutch magazine Formule1.

"I'm not saying we need testing with the new engines this year, but maybe the first test days can be brought forward.

"For the engine supplier, it's a difficult task," added Brawn.

Red Bull's Christian Horner agreed that some tweaks for the pre-2014 test programme would be "logical".

But Lotus' technical director James Allison is not so sure.

"Is it possible to get ready in three tests? Yes," he answered rhetorically, saying simulation and dynamometer technology in F1 has become sufficiently advanced.

(GMM)