Teams eligible for the third driver in 2006

[Kirk]

Could someone please clarify what teams are eligible to have 3rd drivers for 2006. I assume BMW will be included in that category but what about any new teams that are entered?

[safc_fan89]

teams except Mclaren, Renault, Ferrari and Toyota. The top 4 teams aren't allowed to use a third car, the other 6, 7 or 8 even are allowed. That's what I gather anyway.

[timmadigan]

correct teams in place 5 on down can use a third driver, but one of the ideas from Max and the teams is to drop the 3rd driver starting in either 2006 or 2007

[We Love Osella]

I thought there was a move to let everyone have three cars next season

[Kicking-back]

That is still a possibility

All the teams, Maximillan and Bernard will meet in London on Tuesday to thrash out 2006

[safc_fan89]

Scrapping the third driver would be pointless. I think that this aspect opf F1 should stay the same. Quali can change though, because it really is boring.

[maltafan]

This year it was all but the first four, and nex year it might change and only teams who have finished from 7th onwards will be allowed. But no decision is taken yet. I hop it remains at least as it was this year.

[Mr V]

Let all the teams run a third driver, and ban testing throughout the season

[maltafan]

Originally Posted by Mr V

Let all the teams run a third driver, and ban testing throughout the season

I also agree to reduce testing, but in my opinion, F1 has to set a specific days for testing where drivers would test under all safety requirements and teams should choose whether to attend or not.

[Mr V]

They do (well, 9 out of the 10 teams do ) - 30 days.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by Kicking-back

That is still a possibility

All the teams, Maximillan and Bernard will meet in London on Tuesday to thrash out 2006

They are also meeting on Monday?http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=101894

[Kicking-back]

OFFICIAL: Bottom six teams will have Friday test car in 2006

[ensign14]

Heh, failure to boycott Indy has cost Ferrari for 2006.

[Tf105]

I think all teams should use the 3rd driver.. it's the beginning now of an era using the V8 so it's kinda like all teams on a level field now with using the new engines..

[Gt_R]

I think that the 3rd car should be scrapped too, or allow all teams use it.

Last year showed us that the intended purpose of the 3rd car scheme being misused.. but since it's the letters of the rules, there's nothing anyone could do or complain and let manufacturer teams get around using 3rd cars.

But this season, they should have closed that loophole. Apparently, FIA wanted to change it, but teams such as Honda admitted they won't give up such a privilge..and hence, it stays.

[Kicking-back]

I'm not quite sure what "loophole" you mean.

The third car was always intended to help the bottom six constructors improve.

And it did.

As such, McLaren and Toyota moved out of the bottom six and into the top four - so no longer get a third car.

Perfectly fair.

[Nintendo]

I think this is just another pointless element of friday., The drivers scrutinise the set up of their own car. THEY should test them to see where they are. if anything, this gives the top 4 teams more of an advantage