The test was originally intended to be for young drivers who had competed in no more than two grands prix. The FIA’s decision to grant exemptions for some teams but not others has led to irritation in the pit lane. And they are angry that the FIA appears to be operating a rule that does not apply consistently across all the teams. The rule governing the test says that it is “for the sole purpose of providing young drivers with the opportunity to test a current F1 car” and says drivers taking part should not have competed in more than two F1 races “unless otherwise approved by the FIA”. An FIA spokesperson said: “The FIA may grant dispensation for a driver to participate in the end-of-season test at the request of the competitor.

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