By BMW Sauber F1 Team
October 26 2006

As it was the case last year, the 2007 Formula One season will also present numerous new regulations and procedures. One specific change affects race weekend Fridays: In 2007, the BMW Sauber F1 Team will be able to conduct two 90-minute testing sessions. So far, the drivers had two 60-minute sessions at their disposal on Friday to collect valuable data regarding the set-up of the BMW Sauber F1.06 and the tyre choice. In 2007, the track time will considerably increase: The teams will prepare for each GP in two 90-minute sessions.

In future, all teams are only permitted to send two cars out on to the race circuit during the Friday practice sessions. A third driver will, however, continue to be allowed to take to the track as replacement for the designated race drivers. The BMW Sauber F1 Team has already announced that Sebastian Vettel, the official test and reserve driver, will join the Friday test work for the team.

A further novelty affects the engines: The testing sessions are from now on excluded from the two-weekend engine regulation. As a consequence, engine changes on Friday will not be penalised next season. In other words, the drivers will now be able to complete their test laps regardless of the engine mileage.