F1 set for more battles over testing plans

If there wasn't enough bickering and political brinkmanship going on in Formula One, there is now set to be a bit more.

FIA president Jean Todt is set to propose the end of F1's in-season testing ban, much to the delight of Ferrari.

The proposal if agreed would not be put in place until the 2012 Formula One season, which would then see limited in-season testing sessions added to the Formula One calendar.

But while Ferrari back the plans, many of the other teams are set to vote against a return to testing due to the financial implications it brings.

In season testing was banned in a cost-cutting exercise and has been seen as an overall success, despite the issues it brings with car development during the season and giving young drivers experience of driving Formula One cars.

'One of the biggest cost savings we have seen is the reduction in testing, so I think the balance we have with the pre-season and the young driver test at the end of the year is right - and fiscally beneficial not just to the big teams but to the small teams as well.' Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner told Autosport Magazine.

Force India chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer added: 'We don't want to do it. Why go backwards?'

'Many teams would like more testing but we've got to be respectful of the small teams as well. We've got to contain costs, If the larger teams start testing and it's seen as to the disadvantage of the small teams then that isn't good for the sport.' McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh told reuters.

But even if the teams reject the proposal for 2012 by Todt, the former Team Principal for Ferrari will force the plans through for 2013.

"it will be in 2012 if we get enough [support]. It is something that we are going to present at the next Formula 1 Commission which will be on the Thursday in Valencia, and if not then, we can implement it in 2013 without any agreement." he told the press.