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F1 testing to return in 2014

Post-race Formula 1 testing will take place in 2014 at key European circuits such as Silverstone, Barcelona, Spa and Hockenheim.

Testing limits have been in place for several years but Ferrari and tyre supplier Pirelli have been pushing for a compromise.

Following initial talks in Monaco, it emerged at the 2013 Canadian GP that the majority of teams voted to stage four two-day test sessions in 2014, to be run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after some European races.

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The Daily Mail said costs will be controlled by trading the new testing with reduced wind tunnel hours, promotional days and straightline aerodynamic testing, and the axing of the young drivers' test.

Auto Motor und Sport said Force India, Toro Rosso and Caterham voted against the return of testing, the agreement is expected to be ratified by the IAF's world motor sport council at Goodwood on June 28 2013.

It also emerged in the Montreal that Bahrain, not Australia, will likely kick off the 2014 world championship, which could feature an unprecedented 21 grands prix.

The new season of winter testing will also kick off earlier than usual, in mid January, while the first race will take place in early March, following a warm-weather test in the Middle East.

Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary said: "2014 looks like being the longest and busiest season in formula one history."

With the debut of new races in Russia and New Jersey in 2014, McLaren and FOTA chief Martin Whitmarsh is not so sure the 2014 calendar will actually have 21 dates.

Cary said: "Whether all the other dates on the calendar survive I don't know but 21 races is a lot, that is for sure."
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