Ralf thumbs-up for scrapping testing

Speaking in Estoril after the Williams team's recent three-day test session, Schumacher said: "With all the amount of testing that we have done, if you have been testing on the same circuit as the race meeting it is a bit of a waste of time.

"That's especially the case on circuits that we know we have to save four sets of tyres for qualifying and three for the race," he added. "That means we only have one or two for the rest and you simply don't drive, which is what 80% of the drivers did at Magny-Cours - and that's a bit boring for the crowd."

Schumacher believes that the latest idea could solve this, saving money for the team and providing greater entertainment for the paying spectator.

"There are thoughts about having no testing any more and to have six hours of free practice on the Friday before the race meeting. I think this would be the most sensible thing to do because you would basically save on fuel and money.

"You also wouldn't need a big test team any more because you'd test everything at the race meeting. It would make it more exciting for the spectators as well because they would see a lot of cars running."