F1 testing opportunities expanded as Haas grabs its chance

Filming days for Formula 1 teams - officially referred to as 'Promotional Events' in the sporting regulations - were originally intended for marketing and promotional purposes.

F1, however, is a sport in which people take advantage of every loophole. Often, a filming day is the first and last time an F1 team runs its car around a real track before the official test sessions take place.

As a result, it has become customary to use these days as a test day where teams can gather important data about their new F1 car. However, 'special' tyres will be used, allowing data to be gathered about the car only.

Until 2023, a total of 200 kilometres was allowed to be covered during filming days, divided into two sessions of up to 100 kilometres each.

These sessions were allowed to take place on the same day. Under Article 10.4 of the sporting regulations for 2024, it now states that teams are allowed to drive 200 kilometres per session. This means that two sessions are now allowed for a total distance of 400 kilometres.

However, the FIA does outline that the two sessions of 200 kilometres each may not be held on the same day.

Haas already announced that it is taking advantage of this. The American team is trying to get back on its feet after a tough 2023 and can use every kilometre as it gears up towards the winter tests and the first races.

Haas has decided to use both filming days even before the test days in Bahrain. On February 11, the new Haas will drive on the Silverstone circuit and on February 19, another filming day will be undertaken in Bahrain.

In this way, the team hopes to get the best possible start to pre-season testing and start off on the strongest possible foot. Time will tell if it helps.