F1 fans feel ‘cheated’ after first pre-season test conducted behind closed doors

F1 fans have taken to social media to express their anger and frustration at the first pre-season test of 2022 not being broadcast on TV, nor being open to in-person spectators.



Teams will have three days of testing in Barcelona from 22-24 February, before heading to Bahrain next month for another three days of pre-season testing just ahead of the season-opener.



However, while the second test in Sakhir will be broadcast on TV, the first one is being conducted behind closed doors – and many F1 fans are unhappy with this.



A number of fans who were keen to get a first look at the new generation of Formula 1 cars on the track have taken to social media to express their disappointment with the Barcelona test not being shown to the public.



One user suggested he was “genuinely surprised” by some spectators being unhappy with this decision, saying “it’s like getting angry because you can’t watch Roger Federer trying a new racket on the practice court.”



However, others were quick to insist that this isn’t a fair comparison and stressed that fans were unhappy because previous pre-season tests were broadcast.




I think it’s two things. First, people are hugely excited about the new cars and want to see them on track. So there’s disappointment. Second, people dislike things being taken away – if tests were never televised no one would care. But they are, so losing one feels wrong — Benjamin Jacobs (@bhgjacobs1) February 22, 2022





This is actually a bad take, for one they're not comparable in the slightest. Also if you want to compare that example, it would equate to a team's shakedown test as opposed to actual testing. People pay a premium to gain access to F1 TV and SkyF1 that in recent years… [1] — Sam (@SierraHotel222) February 22, 2022





Or should we be happy that people are so passionate about our sport that they want to see as much of it as possible? Not having live pictures of testing is a retrograde step and this in the new era of openness and access. Is it not ok for fans to point that out? — Darren Cox (@IamDarrenCox) February 22, 2022




Another social media user said F1 fans feel “cheated” by the decision to hold the Barcelona test behind closed doors.




Yes, we’re still angry. The new cars are going to take to track for the first time and we, fans, wouldn’t be seeing any of it. People pay for those services and they’re being cheated. — V (@VizorIts) February 22, 2022





Why is everyone pretending like in recent years testing hasn’t broadcasted? If you have something and you enjoy it, and then they take it away, of course people will be upset by it, it’s only normal. — Alice (@alice_nyoom) February 22, 2022




The second pre-season test, which will take place at the Sakhir International Circuit, will run from 10-12 March. In-person spectators will be allowed, and all the action will be broadcast live on Sky F1.



The first race of 2022, the Bahrain Grand Prix, will run at the same venue just over a week later.
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