Formula 1 closing on Dubai 2014 winter test plan

After weeks of discussions over the tweaked plans for 2014 pre-season testing, teams and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone will discuss how to align tests with the proposed 2014 calendar.

Although teams have been set on the idea of the first test taking place in Spain, most likely Jerez, in the week beginning January 19, there have been lengthy talks about the two subsequent tests in the Middle East.

Qatar, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi were all considered as potential venues for the two other tests, but sources suggest that Dubai is now clear favourite to hold them.

It has won favour over the other venues because the Dubai Autodrome is not holding an F1 race and the emirate has close ties with the sport - with its national airline Emirates a partner of F1.

One issue that will need resolving is how to fit in the Middle East tests with the logistics of hosting the first race.

Although Bahrain has been widely tipped to hold the season-opener, sources have suggested that Ecclestone is edging towards keeping Australia as round one.

If that is the case, then the teams are believed to prefer moving the tests later on so that the cars can be freighted direct from the test to Melbourne.

One other option is to hold the three pre-season tests early. That will give enough time for the cars to be returned to the factory afterwards so they can be readied there for the first event.