Test lined up at Abu Dhabi

The Formula 1 teams are close to finalising an agreement to run the winter young driver test session in Abu Dhabi in November, immediately after the final Grand Prix of this season.

The test is now the only official opportunity for F1 cars to run before the end of the year. In 2009 it took place at Jerez in the first week of December.

The consensus among the teams is that it would be more cost-effective to stay in Abu Dhabi after the GP. The equipment and personnel will be on site, and it would allow Bridgestone to end its F1 involvement sooner, rather than having the expense of supplying a test in Spain several weeks later.

Abu Dhabi boss Richard Cregan said: “If the teams and Formula One Management can come to an agreement, we’d happily support it.”

There is a suggestion that the teams might stay on after the rookie session for their first tyre test with the new 2011 supplier. That would involve the regular drivers and give the teams a good baseline from which to start.