• McLaren news

Whitmarsh wants return to full in-season testing

ESPNF1 Staff
August 31, 2010 « Flexi tests affected Red Bull - Button | »
Martin Whitmarsh would like to see a return to proper in-season testing © Getty Images
Enlarge

McLaren team boss and FOTA chairman Martin Whitmarsh says he would like to see a return to full in-season testing, as long as it is cost effective for the smaller teams.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported that 15 days of winter testing were penned in, including four in Bahrain. And Whitmarsh revealed that there will be six full tests in the off-season, although the pre-race Bahrain test has yet to be agreed.

"It [Bahrain] hasn't been quite agreed yet," said Whitmarsh. "We want to make sure that it's cost effective for the small teams."

With only straight-line tests and PR demonstrations currently allowed during the season, Whitmarsh says he would prefer a return to proper in-season testing although he is aware of the disadvantage is would incur on the smaller teams with tighter budgets.

"I personally would like to see more testing but I am respectful of the fact that there are teams still hurting. We've now got at least six tests in the winter so that's a step further forward. What we haven't got at the moment is agreement to test during the season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close