Sauber rejects Friday testing

Sauber's decision could place the whole concept of a two-hour test session on Friday mornings in doubt as the FIA will only sanction it if three or more teams are committed to taking part - so far only Minardi and Jordan have expressed a firm interest in doing so.

"Although this was not an easy decision, there were no doubts about it in the end," said team boss Peter Sauber. "We're currently building an ultra-modern wind tunnel in Hinwil (Switzerland); this is a clear commitment to a forward-looking strategy. Our decision to continue free testing, rather than being limited to 10 test days during the season, points in the same direction. This is the only way for us to continually optimise the development of the car in the long term."

With Ferrari, Williams, McLaren and Toyota almost certain to join Sauber and commit to unlimited testing, the future of the Friday session depends on one of Renault, BAR or Jaguar opting for extra weekend track time.