Just two weeks after the Bahrain
Grand Prix, which made international headlines due to the political protests
that occurred during the event in the Middle Eastern country, all 12 Formula
One World Championship teams will be at Tuscany’s Mugello circuit for three
days of tests, from May 1 to 3.
It will be a crucial test session.
The single addition to this year’s official test
schedule following a regulation change that now allows testing during the season,
the Mugello test session will give teams a chance to assess their cars’
weaknesses and strengths and follow-up with whatever is necessary to improve
safety and performance.
The tests will be open to the public, with entrance
prices starting at 20 euro. Those who already hold tickets for the Italian
Grand Prix on July 15 get free access to space on the lawns.
Although all teams will be present on the track-among
them Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren, Sauber, Lotus, Mercedes-not all drivers will
attend the test runs. McLaren has announced that neither Jenson Button nor
Lewis Hamilton will be attending; instead, reserve drivers Gary Paffett and
Oliver Turvey will be on hand to collect data at Mugello. Making an apperance
is Nicky Hayden, who will join the Ducati Test Team during the final two days
at the session.
In addition, Ferrari has named April 30 Ferrari
Passion Day. Those who are official Ferrari fans may spend the day with the
Scuderia Ferrari team and participate in activities celebrating the Prancing Horse.
For more information and to purchase tickets, see www.mugellocircuit.it.