Abu Dhabi: Former Formula One driver Jean Alesi feels testing is an integral and important feature of racing and believes more testing should be allowed by Formula One's governing body.
Testing was banned in 2009 as part of efforts to cut soaring costs in the sport, before Formula One relaxed the ban the following season allowing teams to test once.
Speaking to XPRESS on the sidelines of the launch of the inaugural i1 Supercar series, Alesi, who won the Canadian Grand Prix in 1995, said: "That's the problem. They should allow teams to have more freedom to test the drivers."
"When teams take on new drivers they would want to test them to give the team a fair idea for the future," added the 47-year-old.
Alesi said he was happy to see new circuits opening up, thus increasing the number of races. Last year Formula One had 19 races where India hosted their first Grand Prix and 2012 will feature 20 races with the US Grand Prix included. "In my time there was little racing but we had a lot of testing. Testing followed by racing and again back to testing. So at the end of the day it was a busy schedule.
"Now, since testing is limited, it's good to have more races. It will keep the championship going. And going to new countries will also make the racing season interesting," said Alesi.
The Frenchman was delighted about the new i1 Supercar Series. "It is very exciting and a great concept. For me it's good since I was preparing for Indianapolis next year. I was training alone during winter and I was contacted for this series.
"I looked at the dates, the format and the idea and it was interesting," said Alesi, who became only the fifth driver to start 200 Grand Prix races in 2001.
He felt this series would give the young local drivers a great opportunity. "It's great for young local drivers to compete with the legends. It's a good idea of having a fight between the young and the old. We can share our experience with them," he said.
