[smr2018test]
Formula One teams are in discussions about extending the test at the Circuit de Catalunya due to the poor weather at the track this week.
Low temperatures meant conditions at the track were much cooler than is typical of most race weekends.
Brendon Hartley said Toro Rosso “stopped early because of the weather – it was almost icy conditions.” Some weather forecasts indicate temperatures will fall further tomorrow and there is a chance of sleet on Wednesday. The first test ends on Thursday.
But with temperatures expected to rise at the end of the week the possibility of extending the test has been raised.
Renault’s technical director for chassis Nick Chester confirmed some teams are looking to extend the test. “There’s been some discussions going on but one team’s got a filming day booked so it probably won’t move,” he said.
“It would need the team that’s having the filming day to agree to cancel, so if they don’t cancel it’s moot.”
RaceFans understands Williams has a filming day scheduled for Friday but have not been formally approached about moving it. Some teams are opposed to extending the test, which would incur additional costs. The sporting regulations state the unanimous agreement of the teams is required in order to change the testing arrangements.
The second and final four-day pre-season test is due to begin at the circuit on Tuesday 6th March.
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Jere (@jerejj)
26th February 2018, 20:25
I’m not expecting snow actually to fall on the ground and stay on it. I’d be surprised if it actually did happen considering how rare it is to get snow anywhere in Spain.
nase
26th February 2018, 21:09
Where does it say anything about snow? It’ cold in Barcelona, but not freezing, and the temperatures are predicted to rise again after Tuesday.
mc4ren (@mc4ren)
26th February 2018, 21:13
You obviously don’t know very much about Spain. Actually, for the coming days:
http://es.snow-forecast.com/maps/dynamic/ib?over=none&symbols=snow&type=snow.next3days
Markp
26th February 2018, 23:04
Only 8 days of testing. If cannot test properly they must extend. Any team that opposes should just be ignored.
Jon (@johns23)
26th February 2018, 23:37
Should they start thinking maybe they should be testing in the middle east? i know its further and probably more money. Theres probably a better reason they dont return there for testing that ive missed
Sartori
27th February 2018, 13:28
You’re right, it’s quite a lot more money I believe. But also, most of the teams are based in Europe and at this time of year new parts are continuously working their way from the factory to the teams at the circuit. It’s much faster/cheaper/easier to get them onto the cars to test than if they had to find their way to the Middle East.
lancesuk (@lancesuk)
27th February 2018, 16:40
What about Algarve? Should be warmer than Barcelona…
Yes (@come-on-kubica)
27th February 2018, 1:16
Shouldn’t the owners step in to cover the costs for the additional for the good of the sport?
kpcart
27th February 2018, 5:21
Williams have already done their filming day
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
27th February 2018, 7:22
Teams are allowed to do more than one.
AdrianMorse (@adrianmorse)
27th February 2018, 6:45
So no extension then.
Phylyp (@phylyp)
27th February 2018, 8:32
That was my thought as well @adrianmorse … Hell (or Spain) would freeze over before teams agree unanimously.
HUHHII (@huhhii)
27th February 2018, 9:57
Would it be possible to extend the winter test with few days if they stop by in Bahrain while they’re on their way to Melbourne? Cold weather shouldn’t be an issue at Sakhir. Didn’t they drive winter tests there couple of years ago?
UNeedAFinn2Win (@uneedafinn2win)
27th February 2018, 10:22
Go do a day or two in Mount Panorama ! 25C – 31C for the next weekend !
Or Phillip Island, 22C – 28C ( and the track profile is similar to Barcelona too)