The Formula 1 engine manufacturers, which currently include RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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, FerrariFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
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and MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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, are pushing to be allowed to test next year's V6 turbo engines early. Under the current rules, the teams would only get the usual three pre-season tests in February 2014. 

"You can imagine from an engine supplier's point of view, starting in February with a new engine with a race in March, in our case supplying three teams, is a pretty big challenge.

"I think everyone is sympathetic to the need to see if there is a better solution, perhaps for the beginning of 2014 only," said Mercedes Team Principal Ross Brawn.

Red BullRed BullAustria, 2004 > present12 models
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Team Principal Christian Horner agrees that an early test would be beneficial and so does LotusLotusUnited Kingdom, 1952 > present68 models
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Technical Director James Allison. Both agree that dyno testing should answer most of the questions about the engines' reliability, and on-track testing would be nice but not crucial. 

"The only open point would be whether you are going to produce a car that has enough cooling. That is a fair challenge in 2014.

"But windtunnels are not bad either, so most of the things that would be necessary to put the car on the ground and make it work are there, and the testing would be about getting performance," said Allison.

Source: Autosport