Warm weather testing compromised proposed

A solution has been proposed for the disagreements over the location of 2017 testing.

While testing is slated to take place in Barcelona, Pirelli are keen to test their new tyres in the warm, dry climate of Bahrain.

That proposal has received backing from a number of teams, but some are against it on cost grounds.

"We are categorically against pre-season tests in the Middle East," said Williams' Pat Symonds. "It is absolutely wrong."

Red Bullare also opposed, but would be more willing if Pirelli would help pay for logistical costs.

"If Pirelli wants us to go to Bahrain, then they should assume part of the costs," said team boss Christian Horner.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko, meanwhile, told the Swiss newspaper Blick: "If Mercedes pays the 750,000 euros, we will also come to Bahrain."

Horner explained: "The extra cost is between £300 and £700,000, depending on the logistics, and it seems unfair to put all of that on the teams."

Horner said one idea would be to stay after the Bahrain Grand Prix early in the 2017 season.

"The first four races are likely to be quite cool, so I think a more logical solution would be to stay in Bahrain after the race," said Horner.

Williams' Symonds also supports the idea.

"He (Horner) is not the only one who has suggested it," he pointed out.

"But I think it's a reasonable idea, although I don't think Bahrain is an absolutely ideal test circuit.

"I think if Pirelli has a conservative tyre choice for the first few races, I don't think it would be a problem. But £400,000 extra for testing in Bahrain is a serious problem.

"Perhaps not for Mercedes and Ferrari, but for our budget it is a very significant amount," Symonds said.

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