Bridgestone agree to increase testing

A number of teams were concerned that they would not have enough preparation time for 2007 when only two three-day tests in December were originally pencilled in.

However, after a series of discussions between team bosses and the Japanese tyre manufacturer, agreement has now been reached for an extra session to start in Barcelona on November 28.

The two original tests will then go ahead at Jerez in Spain over the following weeks.

Although Williams had been one of the key pushers for the extra test, because of their change of engine for 2007, their efforts were supported by a number of other outfits who want to get as much mileage as possible on Bridgestone tyres following their switch from Michelin.

Williams director of engineering Patrick Head said: "All the other teams on Michelin have got to get used to running those tyres and getting the best out of those tyres, so it is not just us that want those nine days of running before the end of the year."