Horner suggests Pirelli foot the bill for Bahrain test

The Formula 1 paddock is divided on the matter of preseason testing in Bahrain early next year, prompting Red Bull chief Christian Horner to propose that Pirelli foot the bill.

Extra cost of about half million euros is what has some teams balking at the idea of testing outside Europe, so to break the impasse Horner suggested, "If Pirelli want us to go and test in Bahrain for their benefit in a hot climate, then they should contribute to the burden of cost."

"Now that ranges from different teams from three hundred to three quarters of a million pounds depending on your logistics. It seems unfair to burden the teams with that when Barcelona in March is a pretty decent venue to go testing."

Horner also questions the value of testing in warmer climate, "Let's not forget the first four races: Melbourne can be pretty chilly, China is certainly pretty cool, Bahrain is a night race and Russia can be on the cooler side.

"Maybe a more sensible solution would be to stay in Bahrain after the race and rather than do the test in Barcelona in-season, do it in Bahrain when everybody's kit and personnel are at that circuit," he added.

The anti-Bahrain lobby have been far more vocal than the pro-desert island test.

"It is madness to test new cars six hours away (from Europe)," Helmut Marko told Auto Motor und Sport. "A year ago we had a problem with a front wing with Kvyat and did nothing for a day before a new one came to Spain. But in Bahrain you would have to wait two days at least."

"Why do Pirelli need to go to Bahrain?" sporting director Otmar Szafnauer questioned. "What are they afraid of. When Pirelli came into formula one, replacing Bridgestone, that was a much greater leap of faith than now. But Barcelona was good enough."

Force India deputy Bob Fernley also has questions, "What else do they need to find out in March?" he asked. "You can't change the compounds before the season anyway, and it takes 9 weeks to have them developed and baked."

Meanwhile the FIA are throwing the ball into the teams' court, with GMM reporting that Charlie Whiting said, "This is a decision to be taken by the teams. If there is a majority for one of the two places, they can come to us and we will have the last word."

Horner said he expected a decision to be made, during a get together of team managers, during the United States Grand Prix weekend.