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F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: John S on January 29, 2022, 01:26:49 PM

Title: Why is the first 2022 F1 pre-season test PRIVATE??
Post by: John S on January 29, 2022, 01:26:49 PM
Seems it's a pre season session not a test.  >:D

F1 has decided to have the first 2022 F1 test in private. Sad times.  :'(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GeVdSVAw4c
Title: Re: Why is the first 2022 F1 pre-season test PRIVATE??
Post by: Jericoke on January 29, 2022, 03:05:16 PM
A question for long time F1 fans... how long have the pre season tests been 'open' to fans, where we got live timing and video?  Given that live F1 TV coverage of the races started within my lifetime (and I'm guessing many other members here too), surely plenty of F1 fans became F1 fans without watching pre season sessions.

My guess is if a team comes out with a 'crazy' solution that is both legal, and ridiculous, this gives the team a private way to decide if it is banned, or copyable.
Title: Re: Why is the first 2022 F1 pre-season test PRIVATE??
Post by: John S on January 29, 2022, 03:41:48 PM
A question for long time F1 fans... how long have the pre season tests been 'open' to fans, where we got live timing and video?  Given that live F1 TV coverage of the races started within my lifetime (and I'm guessing many other members here too), surely plenty of F1 fans became F1 fans without watching pre season sessions.

My guess is if a team comes out with a 'crazy' solution that is both legal, and ridiculous, this gives the team a private way to decide if it is banned, or copyable.

Whilst these tests have not normally been on TV Jeri they have always been open to the public and journalists.

I'm not sure whether accredited journalists will be allowed at this pre season session (note FIA says not test). Mostly I've relied on F1 websites giving live updates from early test sessions in previous years to keep up to date with what is going on. If there is no live timing then sites like Crash.net. Racefans.net and GPfans.com, to name just a few, may have nothing to base live reports on even if they are allowed at the track.
Title: Re: Why is the first 2022 F1 pre-season test PRIVATE??
Post by: lkjohnson1950 on January 29, 2022, 10:08:52 PM
You know if there is any vantage point nearby, there will be plenty of long lens spy type shots everywhere.
Title: Re: Why is the first 2022 F1 pre-season test PRIVATE??
Post by: Alianora La Canta on January 30, 2022, 02:50:51 PM
Test 1 usually is private if there's no new TV tech to test (F1's done full public tests sporadically over the years but hasn't consistently broadcast test 1 since 2008, leaving it to Sky or similarly-large broadcasters to decide whether the cost/benefit analysis is worthwhile. As a rule, in years where it happens, Sky is be footing the bill, not Liberty or its predecesor FOM).

I believe journalists with solid records of attendance in 2021 will be allowed to attend (meaning racefans.net, at least, will probably have its own angle on events due to having its own travelling journalist) but I may be wrong. It's not clear whether the track is bothering to open for spectators, or on what terms if so; with Sainz's star rising, Barcelona may decide it's worth the effort if COVID rules are compatible (as is likely).

The part that grinds my gears on this is the cynical re-labelling of the test. The regulations indicate it's still being treated as a test, so this is merely a re-branding exercise from Liberty.
Title: Re: Why is the first 2022 F1 pre-season test PRIVATE??
Post by: cosworth151 on January 30, 2022, 08:02:04 PM
First, last & always, Liberty's actions seem to be driven by the Almighty Dollar. I may be cynical, but I wonder if Bahrain kicked in another boatload of cash to be "the first test of the season."
Title: Re: Why is the first 2022 F1 pre-season test PRIVATE??
Post by: lkjohnson1950 on January 30, 2022, 09:51:11 PM
Now that you mention it... ;)
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