Testing outside competitions
FIA · 2026 · Issue 09Different car and activity categories have different testing permissions.
Tests are not unrestricted
Current-car testing is limited to the listed opportunities, including prescribed preseason, postseason and tyre tests. Previous-car testing has limits on days, mileage, eligible circuits and drivers. Mule-car tests serve approved development purposes. Promotional and demonstration events have separate restrictions and cannot simply be treated as unlimited performance testing.
Safety and declared purpose
The required activities must be notified in advance and may be observed by the FIA. Car specification, tyres, sensors, software and setup changes depend on the test category. Safety requirements and applicable red-flag procedures still apply. After an incident activating the impact warning light in the specified tests, the driver must promptly attend the medical centre.
Sources & approach ↗