Red Bull wants to launch the RB8 as soon as possible
Red Bull hopes to run the RB8 from the first pre-season test session, scheduled in Jerez on February 7, 2012.
Mercedes GP announced that it would not run its new car in Jerez, but Red Bull, whose new car missed the first winter tests in the last two years, hopes to see the RB8 make its first laps as soon as possible, on February 7, 2012 – see the private testing calendar for 2012.
«The plan is to take part in the first tests. As always, it will be tight but I would be very disappointed if it wasn’t the case, » said Adrian Newey to Autosport.
The FIA has decided to change the rules for 2012, with cars now required to pass all FIA crash tests before they can take part in pre-season testing. Previously, cars had to undergo crash tests before the first race. Newey acknowledges that this could delay the launch of the RB8 but hopes that it will not be the case.
One thing that is different this year (2012) is that we have to pass all the crash tests before being allowed to do the trials. This should be a small concern for everyone because sometimes something unexpected can happen, explained the technical director of the Red Bull Racing team.
