Formula 1 teams pick Mugello for 2012's new mid-season test

The Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) met on Sunday morning to discuss the venue for the single in-season test that outfits have been looking at slotting in.

Silverstone, Barcelona and Jerez were all discussed as possibilities, but high level sources have revealed that in the end it was decided that Mugello would be the best option. It is understood that some of the smaller teams are still lobbying to try and have the test at the UK venue, though the decision is thought to have been made.

The current plan is for the Mugello test to take place in the first week of May, between the final flyaway race at the start of the 2012 campaign and the first event in Europe, which is scheduled to take place in Spain on May 13.

It is understood that Mugello became the preferred option because as well as providing good quality facilities and a venue that is valuable for aerodynamic performance, Ferrari (which owns the circuit) was willing to help host the test - so it would not become too expensive for the teams.

The agreement of the Mugello test plan means that teams are now settled on their pre-season testing plans too - with 2012 running commencing at Jerez on February 7. Two further pre-season tests will take place at Barcelona from February 21-24 and March 1-4.

F1 teams are also seeking a slight tweak to the 2012 schedule, requesting that the Indian and Chinese GPs swap places on the calendar to help with the travel of freight for the opening four races of the campaign.