Silverstone F1 Test - 11-13 May

[mgmark]

Hi - just called Silverstone to find out more about the F1 testing scheduled for next week and which teams have booked in. The usual helpful voice at the end of the phone has now been replaced by an automated voice, which just advises the dates and that you can only view from Luffield corner. - anyone know any more about who is booked in to test next week and the seeming change to previous viewing access ?

[Redblurr]

not sure. But I do know that Ferrari are testing at Silverstone on 1st, 2nd & 3rd June

[mgmark]

The June test session normally gets a good range of the teams there, as it is the last one before the British GP - went year before last and everyone was there except Minardi. Just wondered what next week's was looking like as I have the chance to take one of the days off work.

[garcon]

Jaguar are there 3rd June, but not 11th - 13th May. 3rd June looks well worth it!

I called by in April - free entry, decent viewing from the bridge thru Luffield, park at the gates! Only Jordan were there, I wouldn't expect many others next week.

[mgmark]

Was viewing restricted to Luffield when you were there in April? When I was last there you could walk, use the stands and view from the outside of the circuit all the way from Bridge through to Copse?

[garcon]

Have to admit we didn't venture beyond Luffield, but there was no-one in the main pit straight grandstands as far as we could see... you could certainly get round the back but I'm not sure the stands were open.

[Redblurr]

I heard that on the big tests they open up the track and you can go anywhere? I'm not sure if they will do so now?

[Mr V]

Is it still free to get in? And is anyone actually going up next week? I'm going on the Thursday i think.

[j_hampton2000]

From the Sauber website..... "Team SAUBER PETRONAS completed its three-day test at the Pista di Fiorano today. Felipe Massa covered 167 laps in chassis C23-05 to set a best time of 0:57.315. From 11 to 13 May the team will be testing in Silverstone."

I assume from that Sauber are unlikely to turn up in June. Toyota did the same last year (turn up early and miss the main test prior to the BGP). I haven't heard of any other teams booked in for next week (yet), but if I was a betting man I'd guess Jag and Williams are most likely to turn up too.

I been to one test this year, and altho it was free, access was limited to Bridge-Luffield-BRSC clubhouse. They seem to open it up all the way from Bridge to the pit straight grandstand and copse, but only for the main test in June.

I read that BAR and McLaren each have two more tests booked at Silverstone this year (don't know which dates but would expect to see both there 1-3 June). Jordan will be testing on the 1-3 June.

Don't forget, test sessions start at 9am this year (not 10am).

Jim.

[garcon]

Good info Jim, cheers!

And welcome to ten tenths!

[j_hampton2000]

Cheers. Happy to help.

Jim.

[j_hampton2000]

....just confirmed that Jordan won't be there next week:

"Jordan Ford will test at Paul Ricard 11 to 14 May."

With Monaco being the next race, perhaps most teams will join them at PR (configured as one of the short tracks to simulate the street circuit).

Jim.

[Suzy]

I checked at the circuit this weekend. The ONLY team testing at Silverstone between 11-13 May 2004 will be Sauber!

[j_hampton2000]

Thanks for the info Suzy.

For anyone interested, BAR and Williams have now confirmed they'll be at Paul Ricard next week.

Jim.

[rdjones]

In fact Sauber are already on site. I was at Silverstone today for the BTCC and what was I the first thing I saw this morning 2 Sauber transportors park on the National straight.

[Spudgun]

I think I'm going to hold off until the June one. If previous experience is anything to by, there will be plenty more to watch then.