F1 confirms changes to testing schedule in 2020

F1 in 2020

F1 confirms changes to testing schedule in 2020

Room was needed for the extra race.

Matthew Scott

Friday 4 October 2019 18:00

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Formula 1 has confirmed that pre-season testing will be shortened in 2020, with in-season tests scrapped altogether.

The move has been made after teams raised concerns about the strain added by an extra race featuring on next year's calendar.

Events in Vietnam and the Netherlands have been added, but only Germany will not return next year, meaning F1 will run with a record 22 races in 2020.

As such, pre-season testing has been cut to two three-day events, rather than four-day tests.

Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya will remain the venue for F1's pre-season. The tests will be held between 19-21 February and 26-28 February.

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F1 say the move to abandon the in-season tests, which took place in Spain and Bahrain this year will result "placing a great emphasis on testing parts in Friday free practice sessions".

The in-season tests have traditionally offered teams a chance to give young drivers a chance behind the wheel of an F1 car. Mick Schumacher drove a Ferrari for the first time in Bahrain earlier this year.

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