Extra pressure for testing restrictions

Asked why Renault, a team not lacking in resources had opted for the Friday testing, Briatore said: "It's simply that last year, and the year before, I've seen all the tests we've done and the results of them, which were basically zero. It is very expensive and I believe that if you have two hours more on a Friday morning you have time to set-up the car better and learn about the tyres more which, when we are racing, is when it matters.

"As well as that we still have 20 days testing, which is good. It made sense, especially with Fernando [Alonso] being in his first year with us. I think if everybody did the same it would be much better for Formula 1, maybe using Thursday as well. We're in the hotels and all the containers are here, all the expense, so let's use everything and ban testing. Why run like mad in between races, spending money for no reason?"

Richards opined: "I share Flavio's opinion that we should all get together and control our testing for next year. I would happily have voted for it completely this year if we had all agreed to do the same thing. It would be far more sensible."

The general consensus is that anyone who thinks Ferrari, Williams and McLaren would subscribe to such a ban is dreaming. Richards, however, said: "Well, life changes. There are financial pressures and we shouldn't regard it as an open and shut case."