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Why Are We Testing in Barcelona This Week?

Next up: Canada.

Or is it?!

It's not just race weekends where our cars take to the track. Teams are permitted to run cars two years old or older, and we therefore have a sizeable ongoing 'Testing of Previous Car' (TPC) programme.

And our next TPC running takes place next week in Barcelona!

"The TPC programme is an important tool for us as a team," explains Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director. "It enables us to give valuable seat time to non-race drivers and utilise running cars for marketing purposes."

We've had a busy year already with Barcelona next week the fourth TPC event of 2024. That includes two days of running in Austria, two in Imola, three at Silverstone, and now another three in Barcelona.

Our Reserve Driver Mick Schumacher, junior Kimi Antonelli, and regular race driver George Russell have all got behind-the-wheel so far.

"Ultimately all the tests are carried out to ensure our older cars are fit for running at marketing events. They provide an opportunity to capture plenty of content too. It also provides an added benefit for the drivers," Shov explains.

"For example, whilst Mick is helping shake down an old car or ensure it's in good running order, it also enables him to keep his skills sharp as a driver. For Kimi, he can benefit from building experience in F1 machinery."

With such varying programmes, conditions, and ultimately objectives, it's impossible to compare one driver to another.

Andrew Shovlin

With that being said, does the team look to draw conclusions between the drivers? It's an emphatic 'No' from Shov!

"We always have a wry smile and chuckle when we see speculation in the media about the TPC events. With such varying programmes, conditions, and ultimately objectives, it's impossible to compare one driver to another. The idea of carrying out 'shootouts' between them is therefore quite an archaic one! It's just not the purpose of the TPC days," he explains.

"We've been very pleased with how all the drivers have carried out their programmes. Looking ahead to Barcelona, we're excited to carry out three more days of running with Mick and Kimi before our focus turns to Canada."

So, there you have it!

Keep an eye on our social channels for more content to come from our TPC days across the year.

Kimi Completes Maiden F1 Test in Austria

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