Aguri seek new test driver rule

[davewilson]

Super Aguri want all F1 teams to be forced to rest one of their race drivers in Friday practice next season.
Rule changes for 2007 mean teams are no longer allowed to run three cars on the day before qualifying.

But Super Aguri managing director Daniele Audetto said the F1 commission should back his team's desire to offer test drivers race weekend experience.

"With only two cars, I won't give an advantage by running a test driver to teams using regular drivers," he said.

Last season, teams who finished outside the 2005 title race top four were allowed to run three cars on Friday, one driven by a test driver.

Next year Friday practice will be expanded from two one-hour stints to two 90-minute sessions, but with each team allowed only two cars.

Audetto said: "If you use a young test driver (on Friday), you will be less competitive for setting up the car for qualifying and the race.

"So either everybody uses a third driver on Friday and that must be compulsory - that one of the regular drivers must not drive at least for one session - or I think very few teams will give a chance to a test driver on Friday."

Audetto said FIA president Max Mosley and F1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone both back his idea to give new drivers more of a chance.

"We're looking to the next F1 commission meeting to ask the other teams to make it compulsory," he said.

"Otherwise, we have almost closed the door to potential new drivers."

The Stig