Teams seeking new testing deal for '07

Under the new agreement, the current 36 days of testing could be halved if all the teams agree that the days gained thanks to the new planned race weekend format are sufficient.

The Formula One Commission unveiled plans to abolish the use of third cars on Friday next season, a move seen as a step towards more 'fan-friendly' Fridays.

Friday would be treated as test sessions and the three-day Grand Prix weekend would be condensed into two days.

"This seems like a proper, sensible approach to changing the race weekend format. I think it's a very good idea," Williams technical director Sam Michael told Autosport.

"This will be much better for new drivers. They will be able to get three hours' practice at the track they're going to race on. For a rookie like Nico [Rosberg] that would have been invaluable this year."

The team's CEO Chris Chapple said a wider agreement on testing was now essential.

"The plans are positive but they will only work if they are accompanied by a reduction in season testing. If we can get people to reduce their test days and force them to run on Fridays then we will all get the benefit," he said.