Formula 1 set for new rookie test plan for 2014 grand prix Fridays

AUTOSPORT can reveal that F1 teams have approved a change to the sport's regulations that will encourage outfits to run test drivers during an extended first free practice session.

The matter was discussed during a meeting of F1 think tank, the Sporting Working Committee, ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

Teams voted in favour of the idea, which will result in first practice being extended from 90 minutes to two hours.

To further encourage teams to run test drivers, the rules are also to be changed to allow teams to swap drivers during the session itself.

This means teams can ensure their regular race drivers are not hampered too much by having to sit out the session, and can take over from any testers that run early on.

Teams will also be handed an extra set of tyres, which can only be used during that portion of running, for the first 30 minutes of the session.

Having been approved by the teams, the matter now needs to be ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which is meeting in Croatia next week.