Barcelona test dates tweak emerges

An extra test day has been added to the forthcoming four-day schedule in Barcelona, it has emerged.

Following the cancellation of the Bahrain test, the F1 teams agreed instead to simply regroup at the Circuit de Catalunya early next month.

It was believed the test would take place between March 8 and 11.

But Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn revealed on Friday that Nico Rosberg will still be driving the W02 on the 12th — a Saturday.

He also said the team’s test will kick off only on Wednesday; one day later than the earlier announced schedule.

However, contrary to reports elsewhere, it is believed the date tweak will not necessarily apply to every team, with some still intending to stick to March 8-11.

Brawn said the Bahrain cancellation will have “no real impact” on the development of Mercedes’ new car.

“The car specification for Melbourne will remain the same as we had planned (for Bahrain),” he said.