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Formula 1’s first pre-season test, marketed now as ‘Shakedown Week’, begins in Spain on Monday – but only behind closed doors
The first pre-season test of Formula 1, known as ‘Shakedown Week’, is starting in Spain on Monday, but it will be held behind closed doors. Public timing, media access, and extensive sharing of car images are restricted, with only a few images allowed per day.
F1 and teams will have a controlled presence as content creators, sharing updates on social media and creating daily highlights packages. Despite the privacy, there will still be information for fans to enjoy and media coverage to maintain attention.
The private nature of the test allows F1 and teams to manage the release of information and minimize the risk of public scrutiny, especially regarding potential reliability issues with the new cars and engines.
While secrecy can be frustrating, the focus is on preventing negative impressions and allowing teams to address any challenges without immediate public scrutiny. F1’s resilience to criticism and the anticipation of a successful season despite the private testing reflect the high standards of the championship.
Although the lack of transparency goes against the current trend of increased access and content in sports, the controlled approach aims to present F1 in the best light possible, ensuring a smooth start to the season.