Formula One news

Williams against Schumacher Ferrari test

The Williams team is not willing to let Michael Schumacher test Ferrari's current car in preparation for his planned comeback in Formula One at the European Grand Prix. The Italian Champions had hoped to prepare the German with a proper day of testing in the car although this would require the consent of all other competitors.

With Schumacher having already taken advantage of a loophole in regulations and testing the 2007 car at Mugello on Friday, the testing ban of 2009 stops any cars being run on circuits during the season other than on Grand Prix weekends. With the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA, which represents all current teams bar Williams and Force India) having agreed to let Ferrari run its F60, Sir Frank Williams views the situation from a different angle.

"In a similar situation, Williams would unhesitatingly use its current test driver," the team principal told the the Williams website. "For the sake of consistency and fairness, therefore, we oppose Ferrari's proposal to test ahead of the European Grand Prix." With rules stating that all rivals plus governing body the FIA must agree for Ferrari to be permitted to run the car, these comments indirectly confirms that Schumacher will not drive Ferrari's current challenger until the first free practice session in Valencia on 21 August.

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