Final Formula one tests at Barcelona re-scheduled
Williams Formula 1 technical director Sam Michael has confirmed reports that the final test session at Barcelona has been re-scheduled. The test session, previously scheduled for 8th to 11th
March, has been postponed by a day to 9th to 12th of March.
This marks yet another change in the Formula One calendar; earlier this month Bahrain was removed from the F1 schedule because of continuing protests aimed at democratic reform in the region.
Red Bull's Mark Webber supported the decision saying: “When you hear of people losing their lives, this is a tragedy. It's probably not the best time to go there for a sporting event. They have bigger things, bigger priorities.”
Williams chairman Adam Parr went so far as to state that the Formula One teams would have boycotted the Bahrain Grand Prix had it not been called off.
“If for whatever conceivable reason that hadn't been the decision, I don't think we would have (gone),” he said.
The 2011 season-opener was to be held in Bahrain; the test session was scheduled to take place from 3rd to 6th March, followed by the main event starting March 13.
The season opener will now take place in Melbourne, Australia.
However, Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone has hinted on numerous occasions that Bahrain could resurface on the 2011 schedule as the season-ender.
Vice President of Motor Sport Council Mohammed ben Sulayem has insisted that Abu Dhabi is open for the Bahrain round being rescheduled close to the season-ending date, and is willing to accommodate its neighbor.
“Originally, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain agreed to have a big separation on the calendar to make the most of the exposure that a grand prix brings. However, this is an emergency and in an emergency we need to work together.”
Now that the re-scheduled test at Barcelona has been moved deeper into March, the Bahrain-Abu Dhabi swapping option has been thrown into doubt.
This leaves Bahrain and Ecclestone with two options: either to wait for the 2012 season to strengthen their friendship, or to squeeze Bahrain between the last two Grand Prix events. A crowded calendar would however make the latter a difficult option to pursue.
If it is taken up regardless, then the Brazilian Grand Prix will be pushed into early December, making the 2011 season one of the longest in history.
Tags: