F1 Teams outlaw ‘filming days’ as tests

Following meetings at the British Grand Prix last weekend, Autosport reports that Formula 1’s teams have mutually agreed to put a stop to additional test outings which some have been able to manage this year, despite there being a strict ban on in-season running outside of race weekends.

Since the start of 2009, F1 has cut back on testing in order to limit spending; however, both Mercedes GP at Rockingham (with its new engine cover) and Ferrari at Fiorano (with its exhaust-blown diffuser) have run their cars – with new parts on-board- in what were described as ‘filming days’ for promotional activities.

FOTA Chairman Whitmarsh has discussed the matter with all other team heads However, the loophole in the sporting regulations has now been rectified; filming days remain allowed although all components on the car must have already been run in a race.

"I personally did not feel there was any ambiguity but others argued that there was," said FOTA Chairman and McLaren Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh.

"But that is pressure and when people are under pressure they try and take a different view. It is now clear that, if you are doing a demo run, you must use components that have been raced before – and it has to be a legitimate demo run."